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Buying a metal building is a significant investment, but paying the entire cost upfront isn’t the only option. Rent-to-own (RTO) programs can provide an alternative way to obtain a metal barn, garage, carport, or other steel building while spreading payments over time.
Viking Barns works with third-party RTO partners to provide payment options for eligible customers. Because RTO terms vary by provider, building price, and customer eligibility, understanding how the program works before signing an agreement is important.
This guide explains how rent-to-own metal buildings work, who may qualify, what payment terms to consider, the benefits and potential drawbacks, and how RTO compares with traditional financing.
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What Is Rent-to-Own for a Metal Building?
Rent-to-own is a payment arrangement that allows an eligible customer to obtain a metal building and make payments according to the terms of an RTO agreement. Unlike traditional financing, ownership typically transfers according to the RTO agreement after the required payments are completed.
At Viking Barns, RTO financing and payment terms are managed by third-party RTO partners, while Viking Barns helps customers select and customize their steel building. Current program terms vary between providers and may include different building-price limits, payment periods, eligibility requirements, and early-payoff conditions.
In simple terms: You choose your building, apply through an available RTO provider, review and accept the applicable agreement, and make payments according to its terms until you satisfy the agreement’s ownership requirements.
How Does Rent-to-Own Metal Building Financing Work?
The process is straightforward, but the exact requirements depend on the RTO provider and your building.
1. Choose Your Metal Building
Start by selecting the building that fits your needs. Viking Barns offers metal barns, garages, carports, workshops, agricultural structures, commercial metal buildings, and custom steel buildings.
Consider the building’s:
- Size and layout
- Roof style
- Doors and windows
- Steel gauge
- Insulation
- Color
- Certification requirements
- Intended use
2. Review Your RTO Options
Once you know what you want to build, review the available RTO programs and their current terms. Pay close attention to the eligible building price, payment period, property requirements, applicable taxes, and early-payoff provisions.
3. Submit Your Application
Complete the application required by the applicable RTO provider. Eligibility requirements differ between programs, so approval isn’t guaranteed simply because a program does not use a traditional credit check.
4. Review the Agreement
Before accepting an RTO agreement, understand the payment amount, number of payments, ownership conditions, early-payoff policy, and consequences of missed payments.
5. Arrange Delivery and Installation
After the order and applicable approvals are completed, your building moves through the normal delivery and installation process.
6. Complete Your Payments
Continue making payments according to your agreement. Ownership conditions depend on the specific RTO contract and provider.
What RTO Payment Options Are Available at Viking Barns?
Viking Barns currently lists two RTO partners: RTO National and EZ Pay Buildings. Their terms are different, so customers should review the applicable agreement rather than assuming that one provider’s conditions apply to the other.
| RTO Providers | Currently Listed Terms |
|---|---|
| RTO National | No credit check required; no proof of income required; 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72-month terms; 72-month terms apply to buildings priced $20,000–$30,000; options available up to $30,000; customer or co-signer must own the property |
| EZ Pay Buildings | No credit checks for financed amounts under $15,000; programs available up to $25,000; first payment begins 30 days after installation; available to homeowners and renters; early payoff available under listed terms |
Can You Rent-to-Own a Metal Building With Bad Credit?
One of the reasons buyers consider RTO is that some available programs don’t use a traditional credit check. Viking Barns currently states that its RTO program does not require a credit check, although specific provider requirements still apply.
This can make RTO worth exploring for buyers who may not qualify for conventional financing. However, no credit check does not mean automatic approval. Eligibility, property requirements, building-price limits, and other conditions depend on the RTO provider.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, review the current provider requirements before choosing your payment option.
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What Are the Benefits of Rent-to-Own Metal Buildings?
Lower Upfront Cost
RTO can allow eligible buyers to avoid paying the entire building price upfront. Instead, payments are structured according to the applicable RTO agreement.
No Traditional Credit Check on Listed RTO Programs
Viking Barns currently lists RTO options that do not require a traditional credit check, subject to provider-specific requirements and limits.
Flexible Payment Terms
Available payment periods vary by provider. RTO National currently lists terms ranging from 24 to 72 months, with specific conditions applying to the 72-month option.
Early Payoff Options
Some current RTO options allow customers to pay their remaining balance early without an early-payoff penalty. Always verify the exact payoff calculation in your agreement.
More Payment Flexibility
RTO gives eligible customers another way to pursue a steel building when paying the complete price upfront or using conventional financing isn’t their preferred option.
Rent-to-Own vs. Traditional Metal Building Financing
RTO and conventional financing are different arrangements and should be evaluated separately.
| Feature | Rent-to-Own | Traditional Financing |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Requirements | Depends on RTO provider; listed Viking Barns RTO options include no-credit-check programs | Typically subject to lender credit requirements |
| Ownership | According to the RTO agreement | Generally established through the financing purchase |
| Payment Terms | Provider-specific | Lender-specific |
| Early Payoff | Depends on provider agreement | Depends on loan terms |
| Eligibility | Provider-specific | Lender-specific |
| Best Consideration | Alternative payment arrangement | Traditional purchase with financing |
Viking Barns also offers conventional financing through lending partners, with current financing terms dependent on credit profile and lender requirements.
Before choosing either option, compare total repayment, payment duration, ownership terms, and eligibility requirements.
What Types of Metal Buildings Can You Rent-to-Own?
RTO can be used for more than traditional farm barns. Depending on current program eligibility and building-price limits, customers can explore payment options for different types of steel structures.
Metal Barns
Ideal for hay storage, livestock, farm equipment, agricultural supplies, and general farm storage.
Metal Garages
A practical choice for vehicles, workshops, tools, equipment, RVs, and additional storage.
Metal Carports
Useful for protecting cars, trucks, trailers, boats, tractors, and other outdoor equipment.
Custom Steel Buildings
Custom configurations can provide solutions for residential, agricultural, commercial, and storage applications.
Your building’s final eligibility depends on the applicable RTO provider and agreement.
What Should You Check Before Signing an RTO Agreement?
Before committing to a rent-to-own metal building, use this checklist:
- Building price: What is the total cash price?
- Initial payment: How much is required upfront?
- Monthly payment: What will you pay and how often?
- Payment duration: How many payments are required?
- Total repayment: What is the total amount you’ll pay?
- Ownership: When and how does ownership transfer?
- Early payoff: Can you settle the agreement early?
- Missed payments: What happens if a payment is late?
- Taxes: Which taxes apply?
- Eligibility: Are there property or building-price requirements?
- Installation: What delivery and installation costs are included?
- Agreement: Have you read and understood all terms?
This checklist can help you compare RTO options based on the complete agreement rather than a single payment figure.
Is Rent-to-Own Right for You?
RTO may be worth considering if you want a metal building but prefer to spread payments over time, don’t want to use traditional financing, or may not meet conventional credit requirements.
It may be less suitable if you have access to sufficient cash for an outright purchase or qualify for conventional financing with terms that provide a lower overall cost.
The best approach is to compare your available options and understand the complete financial commitment before making a decision.
Ready to Explore Rent-to-Own Metal Buildings?
If you’re looking for a metal barn, garage, carport, or custom steel building and want to spread payments over time, Viking Barns can help you explore available RTO options.
Browse available buildings, choose the size and features that fit your needs, and contact the Viking Barns team to discuss current RTO availability and provider requirements.
RTO programs are provided through third-party partners. Terms, eligibility, payment amounts, building-price limits, taxes, availability, and other conditions may vary and are subject to the applicable agreement. Confirm current terms with the RTO provider before applying.
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