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Rent-to-Own Rights

How to file a complaint about a rent-to-own store

If a store has threatened you, tried to enter your home, charged fees beyond what your state allows, or ignored your reinstatement rights, you can report it. Most rent-to-own laws are enforced by government agencies — and complaints are how those agencies learn about a problem. Here's where to go and what to include.

1. Your state attorney general

This is usually the most important place to complain. Most states enforce their rent-to-own law through the attorney general's consumer-protection office, often as an "unfair or deceptive trade practice." You can find your state attorney general through USAGov's directory of state attorneys general, then look for the "consumer complaint" form on their site. Your state page explains the specific protections that apply where you live.

2. The CFPB

The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about many consumer-finance products and forwards them to the company for a response. You can file at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

3. The FTC

The Federal Trade Commission collects reports of unfair or deceptive business practices. Reports help the FTC spot patterns even though it doesn't resolve individual disputes. Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What to include

  • The store or company name and location, and your account number.
  • Dates and a plain description of what happened.
  • Copies of your agreement, receipts, letters, and any texts or voicemails.
  • The specific rule you think was broken — your state page cites the statute.
  • What you'd like to happen (for example, stopping a fee or honoring reinstatement).

Before you file

Keep a written record of your own contacts with the store — the reinstatement-letter generator can help you put a request in writing. If a store has threatened you or tried to force its way into your home, that may also be a matter for local police.

This is general information, not legal advice. A licensed attorney or a local legal-aid office can help you decide the best step for your situation.