The Hidden Threat: How Rent-to-Own Scams Exploit Veterans and Why We Must Take Action Now

When we talk about honoring our veterans, it's not just about parades, thank-you notes, or military discounts. It's about ensuring they have access to the most basic human need—safe, stable housing. Sadly, across the country, an insidious and underreported crisis is unfolding: predatory rent-to-own housing scams are targeting veterans and their families, leaving many at risk of homelessness, financial ruin, and emotional devastation.

This is not just a personal issue—it’s a national disgrace. And it’s time we stand up, speak out, and hold our government accountable for protecting those who have protected us.

What Is a Rent-to-Own Scam?

Rent-to-own housing contracts are often marketed as a path to homeownership for those with poor credit, limited savings, or past foreclosures—conditions that many veterans and military families face due to service-related disruptions and gaps in financial stability.

On the surface, rent-to-own deals seem like a lifeline. But in reality, many are legal traps:

• No equity is built over time, despite years of payments.

• Contracts often shift all maintenance, tax, and insurance costs to the tenant—without any of the rights of ownership.

• One missed or late payment, and the "buyer" can be evicted without recourse.

• These contracts are unregulated in many states, making them ripe for abuse.

Predatory companies prey on veterans by exploiting their trust in the American Dream and their faith in doing the right thing. Many don’t realize they were never on a legitimate path to homeownership until it's too late.

Why Are Veterans More Vulnerable?

Veterans often carry the burdens of service-related disabilities, gaps in employment, and financial instability. They may have experienced foreclosures, credit hits, or failed VA loan processes—leaving them desperate for alternative housing solutions.

The emotional pull of "providing for the family" and the hope of finally owning a home makes these scams even more deceptive.

We’ve seen veterans pay tens of thousands of dollars into rent-to-own agreements, only to be evicted with no ownership, no savings, and no protection. For many, it's the final blow in a long battle for stability.

The Government's Role: Complicit Through Silence

Despite countless reports and case studies, federal and state governments have failed to adequately regulate or outlaw these predatory schemes. There is a glaring lack of enforcement, transparency, and accountability when it comes to:

• Protecting veterans from predatory real estate practices.

• Tracking and investigating national rent-to-own abuse.

• Supporting veterans who are facing housing insecurity due to deceptive contracts.

The current administration, like those before it, has paid lip service to "protecting our veterans"—but where is the action when they are being defrauded in their own communities?

Why We Must Act—Now

Veterans didn’t serve our country only to come home and be treated like second-class citizens. They deserve dignity, protection, and justice. That starts with housing security and accountable leadership.

We must demand:

1. Stronger federal oversight of rent-to-own practices.

2. State-level legislation banning predatory housing contracts that target vulnerable populations.

3. VA and HUD reform, including new protections and pathways for veterans who cannot access traditional mortgages.

4. Legal aid funding for veteran families who are being exploited or facing eviction.

5. A public awareness campaign that warns veterans and their families about these scams.

   
   
   
   

KOVH Foundation’s Call to Action

At the Keep Our Vets Housed (KOVH) Foundation, we’re raising our voices and our banners in defense of veterans caught in this crisis. Through education, grassroots advocacy, and community-led campaigns like The Silent Crisis, we are pushing for transparency, reform, and direct action.

But we can’t do it alone.

• If you’re a veteran, we want to hear your story.

• If you’re an advocate, we need your support.

• If you’re a policymaker, we demand your accountability.

Stand With Us

Join our National Day of Action, share our petitions, support our Veterans Housing Justice Ambassador Program, and help us fight back against these injustices.

Because no veteran should have to fight for housing in the country they already fought to defend.

Together, we can expose the scam. Protect our heroes. And force the system to change.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.keepourvetshoused.org or follow us on social media @keepourvetshoused.