What Is an Early Purchase Option (EPO)?
Last updated June 2, 2026
An early purchase option (EPO) is the right to buy your rent-to-own building before the term ends, for an amount less than the remaining total of payments. It's the main way to lower the total cost of a rent-to-own shed.
Every rent-to-own agreement we know of includes an early purchase option, or EPO. It's worth understanding because it's how you save the most money.
How the EPO works
At any point you can ask the funder for your early payoff amount. It's typically the cash price minus a credit for part of the base rent you've already paid (and minus any reserve balance, where applicable). Because of that credit, paying off early costs less than continuing every remaining month.
Why it matters
- It caps your total cost — you never have to pay the full total of payments if you can pay off sooner
- You own the building outright once you exercise it
- There's no penalty for using it
The payment calculator shows a month-by-month EPO payoff schedule so you can see the cost to own after any month. Your funder sets the exact figure.
Common questions
- Can I pay off my agreement early?
- Yes. You can exercise the early-purchase option at any time. The early payoff amount is set under the funder's terms and will be less than the remaining total of payments. Contact the funder for your exact payoff amount.
- When do I officially own the shed?
- Ownership transfers to you after you make all scheduled payments or exercise the early-purchase option. Until then, the building is leased. Keep in mind the total of payments to own will exceed the cash price.
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