Crushed by Medical Debt? Sell Your Home, Pay It Off, and Stay as a Renter | Sell2Rent
Medical Debt Relief

Crushed by Medical Bills? Sell Your Home, Pay Off Your Debt, and Stay as a Renter.

Medical debt is the #1 cause of personal bankruptcy in America. Sell2Rent's sale-leaseback program lets you convert your home equity into a lump-sum cash payment, clear what you owe, and stay in your home as a renter, no credit check, no moving out, no new loans.

Act before collectors file a lien on your property. A sale-leaseback gives you cash on hand to settle medical debt on your terms, before the legal system takes that choice away. The sooner you reach out, the more options we can explore together.
100M+
Americans carrying medical debt
30–45 Days
Typical time to close & receive cash
$0
New debt created through a sale-leaseback

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Eligibility note: You must have more than 30% of your house paid off for us to be able to work with you.

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The medical debt crisis is real, and most homeowners still have options.

You are not alone. Medical bills are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, and millions of homeowners are watching years of financial progress unravel because of a single hospitalization, diagnosis, or emergency. There is a way out, without losing your home.

Homeowner finding financial relief through Sell2Rent sale-leaseback
100M+
Americans burdened by medical or dental debt in 2025, more than the population of any U.S. state (KFF Health System Tracker)
$220B
Total medical debt owed by U.S. households, dwarfing all credit card debt combined (Roosevelt Institute)
66.5%
Of U.S. personal bankruptcies are primarily caused by medical debt, making it the single leading cause (2025)
44%
Higher risk of housing instability, including missed mortgage payments and foreclosure, for homeowners carrying medical debt (Johns Hopkins / PMC 2025–2026)

Sources: KFF Health System Tracker 2025; Roosevelt Institute Medical Debt Report; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health / PMC 2025–2026; Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, P.A. 2025

The Medical Debt Timeline: What Happens at Each Stage and What You Can Do

Medical debt doesn't disappear on its own; it escalates. Most homeowners have more time to act than they realize, but that window closes fast once collectors and courts get involved.

Elderly couple reviewing medical bills and financial options
  1. Typically: 0 – 90 days after treatment

    Hospital bills, specialist charges, and lab fees have arrived. No collection agency is involved yet. At this stage, providers are often willing to negotiate significant reductions and offer financial assistance programs, but you have to ask. This is your widest window.

    Request an itemized bill and dispute any errors. Up to 80% of medical bills contain mistakes.

    Ask the hospital directly about charity care, hardship programs, or a discounted lump-sum settlement.

    Request a free Sell2Rent offer. At this stage, your home equity gives you maximum negotiating power. Cash in hand lets you settle accounts at a discount before they go to collections.

  2. Typically: 90 – 180 days after non-payment

    The unpaid balance has been sold to or assigned to a debt collection agency. Calls, letters, and collection notices begin. Your credit score takes a significant hit. A collection account appears on your credit report and can remain for up to 7 years.

    Request debt validation in writing under FDCPA protections; collectors must prove the debt is valid.

    Stop harassment immediately: send a written cease-communication request once the debt is validated.

    Cash from a sale-leaseback can pay off collection accounts in full, often at a negotiated discount of 40–60% of the original balance, before any lawsuit is filed.

    Get your free offer now and see exactly how much equity you have available.

  3. Typically: 6 – 18 months after non-payment (varies by state)

    A creditor or debt buyer has filed a lawsuit in civil court. If you ignore the summons, the court enters a default judgment against you automatically. A judgment gives creditors the legal right to garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, and file liens on real property, including your home.

    Do not ignore the lawsuit. Respond in writing to the court before the response deadline (typically 20–30 days).

    Consult a debt defense attorney immediately. Many lawsuits contain procedural errors that can invalidate the claim.

    A sale-leaseback closing can produce the cash to satisfy the debt and halt the lawsuit before a judgment is entered. Call (800) 954-6373 today.

  4. After a judgment is obtained; timeline varies

    A judgment lien has been recorded against your property. You cannot sell or refinance your home without first satisfying the lien. In some states, creditors can seek a forced sale of property to collect. This is the most urgent stage, but you still have a path forward.

    A sale-leaseback pays off all judgment liens at closing as part of title clearance. You receive your remaining equity in cash.

    You sign a lease at closing and continue living in your home exactly as you do today, as a renter with full legal protections.

    Call (800) 954-6373 today. We will fast-track your case and give you a clear, honest picture of what is possible.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

The medical debt clock doesn't stop. Here's what the escalation typically looks like.

0–90 Days

Bills Unpaid

Hospital may apply interest and late fees. Credit score unaffected. Negotiation still easy. This is the easiest stage to act.

Most options open. Act now for the best outcome.

90–180 Days

Sent to Collections

Debt collectors begin contacting you. Credit score drops 50–100 points. Collection account on your report for 7 years.

Manageable, but move quickly. Pressure is building.

6–18 Months

Lawsuit & Judgment

Creditor files suit. If unanswered, wages garnished, accounts frozen, property liens possible. Every day matters.

Critical. Contact us today, not tomorrow.

The sooner you reach out, the more options you have.

See if your home qualifies →
Your FDCPA Rights
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collectors cannot contact you before 8 AM or after 9 PM, use abusive language, or make false statements. You have the right to demand written validation of any debt. Violations can be reported to the CFPB and your state attorney general.
Medical Debt & Your Credit
A paid medical collection account has less credit impact than an unpaid one. Paying off medical debt through a sale-leaseback means you can potentially negotiate pay-for-delete agreements with collectors, removing the debt from your credit report entirely once settled.
Medical Debt vs. Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can discharge medical debt, but stays on your credit report for 7–10 years and may require surrendering non-exempt assets. A sale-leaseback delivers cash in hand to pay debts on your terms, with zero credit impact and no court involvement.

What Stage Is Your Medical Debt In?

Select the option that best describes your situation. We'll show you what options are still available to you and what to do next.

Medical Debt Situation Checker, For general guidance only. Call us for a personal conversation about your specific situation.

Family relieved after resolving medical debt with Sell2Rent
Pick your situation

Choose one of the options on the left to see your recommended next steps.

Most options available

Bills Are Still With the Provider: Act Now for the Best Terms

You haven't entered the collections cycle yet. Providers still negotiate. Your home equity lets you pay everything off cleanly before collectors and courts get involved.

  • Request an itemized bill and dispute errors. Up to 80% of bills contain mistakes.
  • Ask about charity care or hardship programs before paying anything.
  • Request your free offer. Maximum flexibility and time at this stage.
Get My Free Offer, I Have Time to Plan

Move within the next 30 days

Collections Have Started: Cash Gives You Leverage

Accounts can still be settled for 40–60 cents on the dollar, but leverage shrinks every day. Converting equity to cash lets you pay off accounts and potentially negotiate pay-for-delete agreements.

  • Request written debt validation before making any payment.
  • Don't ignore notices. They accelerate the path to a lawsuit.
  • Request an offer today. Most closings take 30–45 days, time you still have.
Request My Free Offer Now

Respond immediately — explore every option

Lawsuit Filed: Don't Ignore the Summons

You have typically 20–30 days before a default judgment is automatically entered. A sale-leaseback closing can produce cash to satisfy the debt before that happens. Act on both fronts simultaneously.

  • File a written court response before your deadline. Do not miss it.
  • Consult a debt defense attorney immediately (many offer free consults).
  • Submit your property details now so we can assess your timeline today.
Get My Offer or Call Us Now

Call us today, not tomorrow

Judgment Entered: Your Home Equity Can Still Clear It

A lien doesn't mean you've lost your home. A sale-leaseback pays off all recorded liens through title clearance at closing. You receive your remaining equity in cash and sign a lease to stay. We'll give you an honest picture of exactly what's possible.

  • If equity exceeds lien amounts, a sale-leaseback is still very viable.
  • Talk to a debt attorney about negotiating lien amounts before closing.
  • We fast-track urgent cases. Call now for a same-day assessment.
Call (800) 954-6373: Let's Talk

What is a residential sale-leaseback?

A residential sale-leaseback is a transaction where you sell your home to a vetted investor at fair market value and immediately sign a lease to remain in it as a renter. The cash from the sale is yours to use, including to pay off any outstanding medical debt, collection accounts, or judgment liens.

Unlike a HELOC or second mortgage, which adds debt on top of your existing obligations, a sale-leaseback eliminates your mortgage entirely and delivers a lump sum you control completely. There's no credit check, no new loan, and no court filing required.

Most Sell2Rent transactions close in 30 to 45 days. You choose your lease term at closing, from a short-term transition lease to a multi-year agreement, and continue living in your home exactly as you do today. Learn how our sale-leaseback works →

$200K+
Avg. equity available to homeowners
3 Mo – 5 Yrs
Flexible lease term, 3 months to 5 years, chosen at closing

How it works

Most homeowners complete the Sell2Rent process in 30 to 45 days. No credit check. No repairs. No public listing. Just a clear path to financial relief, on your terms.

1

Request Your Free Offer

Share basic details about your property and your situation using the form above. We work with homeowners in all 50 states. No credit check required, we evaluate your home's value and equity, not your credit score.

Takes 5 minutes · See if your home qualifies

2

Review and Choose Your Best Offer

Your home is presented to our nationwide network of vetted investors. You receive multiple offers and choose the one that works best for you, including your preferred lease rate, lease term, and closing timeline.

You pick the offer that fits · No obligation to accept

3

Close, Get Paid, and Stay Home

At closing, you receive your equity in cash. Your mortgage is paid off. Any recorded liens are cleared through title. You sign a lease and continue living in your home. Use your cash to pay off every medical bill you owe.

Most close in under 45 days · Zero new debt created

What Happens After You Contact Us

1

A Sell2Rent advisor calls you within one business day to review your situation and confirm your home qualifies.

2

We assess your home's current market value and calculate your available equity, including what remains after clearing any outstanding debt or liens.

3

We present your property to our investor network and return competitive offers within 24–48 hours.

4

You choose your offer, set your lease terms, and we handle the rest, title, escrow, and closing coordination included.

5

You close, receive your cash, and stay in your home. Use it to pay off every medical bill and start fresh.

How does a sale-leaseback compare to your other medical debt options?

A clear look at the most common paths homeowners facing medical debt consider, so you can make the choice that's right for your family, your finances, and your home.

FeatureSell2Rent Sell & StayChapter 7 BankruptcyDebt SettlementHELOC / 2nd MortgageHospital Payment Plan
You stay in your home✓ YesMaybe✓ Yes✓ Yes✓ Yes
Lump-sum cash to pay off debt✓ Yes✗ No✗ No✓ Yes✗ No
No credit check required✓ YesN/A✓ Yes✗ Good credit needed✓ Yes
Credit score protected✓ No impact✗ −200 pts, 10 yrsPartialRequires good creditMinimal if honored
Stops collection harassment✓ Yes✓ Auto stayDuring negotiationsOnly if used to paySometimes
Creates new debt✓ No✓ No✓ No✗ Yes, new loan✓ No (restructured)
Mortgage eliminated✓ YesMaybe✗ No✗ No✗ No
Speed to resolution30–45 days3–6 months12–48 months2–6 weeks for approvalImmediate to set up
Legal complexityLowVery High, court requiredMediumLowNone

A sale-leaseback is the only path that provides fair-market cash, stops collections, eliminates your mortgage, and lets you stay in your home, with zero credit damage and no court involvement. See frequently asked questions →

Real families. Real relief.

Homeowners across the country have used Sell2Rent to convert their equity into breathing room, and stay in the homes they love.

"The entire team was amazing!! No issues with getting ahold of anyone when I had a question. No one ever made us feel like we were a burden when we always had 20 questions ready to ask. Very patient and understanding with us as this was a huge decision. Their team made the entire process so much easier than I imagined."

Joshua Johnston

Charleston, SC · Google Review

"Things started out a little rocky, but Sell2Rent quickly proved to be amazing to work with. Their team was incredibly responsive, patient, and catered to all of my needs every step of the way. I received more money than I expected and the entire process was smoother than I thought it would be. I'm truly grateful."

Chasity Lindsey

Lawrenceville, GA · Google Review

"Sell2Rent was a great experience! They helped us so much and the process moved very quickly. I did have some concerns at first, but Adrian and AC answered all of my questions and we are very happy. I cannot say enough positive things about how this worked out for us."

Lori Moore

Cincinnati, OH · Google Review

Want to Learn More About Sale-Leasebacks?

Read expert guides on medical debt, home equity, and how homeowners are taking back control of their finances. New articles every week from our team.

Read Our Blog →

Frequently asked questions about using a sale-leaseback to clear medical debt

Yes. Through a residential sale-leaseback, you sell your home at fair market value to a vetted investor, receive the equity in cash, and immediately sign a lease to stay in your home as a renter. You can use the cash proceeds to pay off any outstanding medical bills, hospital liens, collection accounts, or judgment liens, all without moving out and without taking on new debt.
No. Sell2Rent does not run a credit check. Qualification is based on your home's current market value and your available equity, not your credit score, your debt load, or your payment history. Medical debt, collection accounts, and past-due payments do not disqualify you.
Yes, in certain circumstances. If a medical creditor obtains a court judgment against you, they can file a judgment lien on your home in most U.S. states. That lien must be paid before you can sell or refinance. In extreme cases, creditors can seek a forced sale of the property to collect. A sale-leaseback lets you proactively convert your equity into cash, paying off the debt before a lien is ever recorded, or clearing any existing liens at closing.
Most Sell2Rent transactions close in 30 to 45 days from your initial request. If you are facing an urgent legal deadline, a lawsuit response window, a garnishment date, or a rapidly escalating debt situation, tell us when you call. We can prioritize your case and give you a clear, honest picture of your timeline.
Both can provide relief, but they work very differently. Bankruptcy can eliminate or restructure debt, but it stays on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, may require surrendering non-exempt assets, and involves a complex legal process with court filings and trustee oversight. A sale-leaseback requires no court filing, causes zero credit damage, and gives you actual cash in hand, not just debt relief. For homeowners with sufficient equity, a sale-leaseback is typically the more empowering path. That said, both options can be worth discussing with a financial advisor for your specific situation.
Yes. The sale proceeds pay off your existing mortgage first at closing. Whatever equity remains after paying off the mortgage balance, any recorded liens, and standard transaction costs is yours to receive in cash. You need at least 30% equity in your home to qualify, meaning your mortgage balance should be no more than about 70% of your home's current market value.
Any recorded judgment liens against your property are satisfied (paid off) at closing as part of the title clearance process, exactly as they would be in a traditional home sale. You receive whatever equity remains after all liens and costs are paid. A sale-leaseback is one of the most effective ways to fully resolve judgment liens and reset your financial situation, while continuing to live in your home.
Sell2Rent secures lease terms ranging from 1 month to 5 years. You choose the term that works for your situation at closing. Property owners in our network generally welcome long-term, stable residents who pay rent on time. Many homeowners use the initial lease period to rebuild their finances and then explore their next chapter on their own timeline.
Sell2Rent charges a transaction fee, typically around 6% of the sale price with a minimum of $11,500, plus standard closing costs. There are no upfront costs, all fees are deducted from the sale proceeds at closing. The offer you receive reflects your net equity after these costs are factored in, so there are no surprises.

Your health shouldn't cost you your home.

You've already been through enough. This is how you put your equity to work, clearing every bill, on your terms, without giving up the place you call home. Sell your house. Cash out. Stay home. Breathe again.

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