你们真该好学习一下。下面是title theory state and lien theory state 的定义：

In a Title State, the lending institution holds title?to the property in the name of the borrower through a?Deed of Trust. In a Lien State, the?deed?stays with the borrower (mortgagor), and the lender (mortgagee) places a?lien?on the property using the mortgage?instrument. Generally,?foreclosure in Title States occurs through a?non-judicial proceeding, while Lien States are conducted via?judicial?methods; it varies with each state.

当你和租户签rent-to-own lease 时，你收的是定金(deposit or earnest money),跟mortgage没有半毛钱的关系。因此不管在哪个州，房子的title 都不会变。the lease only give tenants the right to buy your house at the agreed terms detailed in the lease before the lease expires. If your tenants decide to buy your house, the lease becomes the sales contract.