Can Rent A Center Press Charges?
Can Rent A Center Press Charges?
In 2026, many consumers still rely on rent-to-own services for essential household items like furniture, appliances, and electronics. However, a common point of anxiety for many customers is whether falling behind on payments can lead to more than just a hit to their credit score. The short answer is that while failing to pay a debt is generally a civil matter, failing to return the property after a demand is made can, in certain jurisdictions and circumstances, lead to criminal theft or larceny charges. Understanding the legal landscape of rental-purchase agreements is vital to avoiding the high-stakes consequences of a contract dispute.
Criminal vs. Civil Consequences of Non-Payment
Typically, when you miss a payment on a standard credit card or a loan, the creditor pursues civil remedies, such as reporting the delinquency to credit bureaus or filing a lawsuit in small claims court. Rent-to-own companies like Rent-A-Center operate differently because they retain legal ownership of the merchandise until the final payment is made. In states like Florida and Texas, specific statutes exist that classify the failure to return leased property after a formal demand as a criminal act. This means that if a customer stops paying and refuses to return the item, the company may file a police report for theft of service or failure to redeliver leased property.
| Action Taken | Legal Classification |
|---|---|
| Missing a scheduled payment | Civil Breach of Contract |
| Refusing to return items after demand | Potential Criminal Theft/Larceny |
| Reselling items not yet owned | Criminal Fraud or Theft |
State Laws and Consumer Protections
The risk of criminal charges varies significantly depending on where you live. For instance, in states like Kansas, legislative changes and court rulings have made it much more difficult for rental companies to use the criminal justice system as a debt collection tool. Conversely, other states allow for a presumption of criminal intent if a customer fails to respond to a certified demand letter within a specific timeframe, such as 30 days. In recent years, several state Attorneys General have cracked down on what they deem "coercive" tactics, leading to multi-million dollar settlements where companies agreed to stop filing criminal complaints as a standard method of collection.
The Importance of Communication and Returns
The most effective way to prevent Rent-A-Center from pursuing legal action is proactive communication. Rent-to-own agreements are designed to be flexible; customers generally have the right to return the merchandise at any time to stop further payments without penalty. If you find yourself in financial hardship, returning the items voluntarily prevents the company from claiming that you intended to steal the property. Many stores offer "reinstatement" options, allowing you to pick up where you left off if your financial situation improves later, provided the items were returned in good condition.
FAQ about Can Rent A Center Press Charges?
Can I go to jail for missing one payment?
No, missing a single payment is a civil matter. Criminal issues generally only arise if you stop paying AND refuse to return the property after the company has made a formal, legal demand for its return.
What happens if I moved and didn't tell them?
Moving without notifying the company while you still have their property can be viewed as "absconding" with the merchandise. This increases the likelihood of them filing a police report for theft, as they can no longer locate their assets.
Are there states where they cannot press criminal charges?
Yes, states like Connecticut, South Carolina, and Virginia have laws that explicitly exclude rent-to-own disputes from criminal rental theft statutes, keeping these cases strictly in civil court.
Conclusion
While the threat of "pressing charges" is often used as a high-pressure collection tactic, the reality depends on your actions and your local laws. Rent-A-Center can indeed initiate criminal proceedings if they can prove a customer has the intent to permanently deprive them of their property. To protect yourself, always read your contract carefully, keep records of all payments, and if you can no longer afford the item, return it to the store immediately to close out the agreement and avoid any risk of criminal liability.