Complain about a product or service

Rent-A-Center

Doris of Longview TX (09/03/08)
now i realize that situations and circumstances can cause finanicial obligations from time to time.i have dealt with rac off and on for 12 years now, and never have i been so humilated in those.12 years they lie to you about everything.they tell you one thing, but when you get to the store its a different thing.

you do not try to embarressed your customer about their personal obligations, in while others are standing around listening.nor, do you suppose to belittle them.it sure happen at this store.i worked for even a larger company, but still know how to treat an individual with respect.

Justin of Anderson SC (09/03/08)
Watch what you sign. The biggest thing as consumers is to make informed decisions. Rent to own is not for everybody, and that goes for both sides of the counter. When business is conducted properly RTO is a fantastic alternative to buying with credit. If you don't understand what an employee is doing, always call their supervisor. Get your thoughts together and calmly and rationally call the store manager or if that doesn't work call the 800# that is posted behind the counter. But do not attempt to do so, until you are calm and collected.

The key to RTO is clear communication and all sides. A breakdown in communication causes headaches for both the consumer and the coworkers. Always be sure that you read over your copy of the rental agreements, and if you have any questions DO NOT SIGN. The regulations vary from state to state as to the terms of the rental agreement.

If you think an employee is not doing the right thing, question it to his/her supervisor. If it smells, it must be fishy!

Christina of Norwalk CA (08/21/08)
Ive been renting to own a tv at rent a center going on about 2 years now almost about $4000 dollars in total and there have been alot of complications with the tv and in rent a centers guarantee it states

Delivery & Service Included icon We Service It - No Extra Charge We take care of repairs throughout your entire agreement - and even supply loaner merchandise if offsite repairs are needed so you are never without. and on my contract with them it states if the problem is not fixed within 30 days they will replace it with a new one.

well we sent our tv in with speaker problems and after them having it for more then 3 weeks they returned it with the screen falling off so we called them again and had them pick it up to fix it and what they said was an easy repair turned out them keeping it for 30 days and then they returned it when they returned it once again the speakers were not working AGAIN so we called them and told them and even called customer service and have been told we would receive a phone call from a manager within 24 hours and no call, then i received a call from there store manager stating he understands there have been alot of problems with the tv and to call him about coming in and picking out a new tv due to so many complications.... now they are saying jonathan doesnt work there and we cant get another tv? i dont know what to do

Brenda of Goldbond VA (08/17/08)
I had Purchased a Computer from the Rent-A-Center in Pulaski Virginia ,The Computer didn't not work and I found it it had virus which cannot be removed, When I took it back, the store was out of business, the Company sold out to Amazon, The Amazon Store would not make it right for me, I had to pay the 700.00 and now the Computer is sitting in a Corner, and I cannot use it. What Can I do to get my money back or have them fix the Computer? I think they are miss treating their Customers,Now I am out of 700.00 and a Computer.

No refund,No Computer, Was made to pay, No one to contact,Contract wasn't honored on their part.

Ryan of Saint Albans VT (08/13/08)
I rent 3 items from store 2353 in Saint Albans, Vermont. For personal reasons, about 3 months ago I began falling behind on payments. So near to the completion of my agreements, I have struggled repeatedly week after week to make their payments. Now I know some of these guys back from the day that I worked for RAC and so since I know the business, they don't often use their scare tactics on me, mostly because they would be ineffective.

However today takes the cake. As I said I have 3 agreements, one is a $48/wk TV (JVC 61) and I went in last week and made a payment on it and my recliner. I specifically asked them to put the money on these two items. It came to about $80.00 After which they gave me a receipt and I left. Well Tuesday comes along and they come to my house saying they need to pick up the TV or they are going to take me to court. They claimed that my TV was 31 days past due. This didn't make sense since my receipt clearly stated that the next payment was 07/19/08 which isn't even 30 days.

I went in the next day and politely asked for an EPO (EARLY PURCHASE OPTION) sheet. They gave it to me, and sure enough, it said my payment date was 07/12/08 Where did my last payment go? So I asked for the last receipts and there plain as day, they had taken my money, put it toward the TV and recliner as instructed, then gave me a receipt. THEN, they went back, took the money OFF the TV (which they can do, remember I've worked for them before) and applied the funds to the other two accounts. The other accounts were slightly past due, by one week, so by putting the money on them instead, they cleared past due accounts.

This is a big deal at RAC. Clearly past due accounts and bringing down their collection percentage. We called it 'clearing cards.' The lower their collection percentage, the better the company likes it. While in the store, I could hear the familiar voice of the District Manager in the other office, who didn't even bother to come out, despite my asking probative questions to the Assistant Manager. I left, to which I was asked: And when can I expect a payment from you? To which I replied, after I call the customer service line.

Now this is a small town, and they know that I was facing criminal charges on an unrelated matter, so they used that information to threaten me. Instead of the typical civil court threat they threatened me with rental theft, knowing that I can't be charged with another crime lest I get thrown in jail.

My payments have been inconsistent, this I admit. But I've been able to keep up with no more than a few weeks behind. To change my payments without my knowledge so to clear cards and to purposely push the TV into the 30 day past due catergory for the purpose of taking me to court seems highly unethical if not illegal. As a previous manager for this company, I would negotiate with the clients or serve them how I saw best. Not the company. And I certainly never changed anything AFTER providing them a receipt. This practice has to be somehow illegal. Thank you for your time.

Tammy of Tyngsboro MA (08/13/08)
by Rented to own a Dryer/washer..1st store MGR fired screwed up..Come to find out my dryer,was PAID IN FULL!!Problem is Washer and 1st contract they knew I only could make payment's on the 3rd,as am on social security.Was told No Problem.New MGR.Kenny verbally agreeded and was aware of this.

I had missed 2 payments due to interuption on my phone,and i am disabled and need lifeline,Kenny said he Must have $87.50 or would come take washer.So a dear friend lent the monies to me and I paid .I was good till the 3rd.

Received a call 700PM Tuesday August 13th,Kenny calling stating payment was only good till August 9th 2008,I said that's not what you told me and iI want the District Mgr Name, number and I was going to call in AM. Also asked for E-Mail but it did not go threw or was given incorrect one,unsure here.Kenny said if District MGR oked I'm alset if not comming for Washer!!

How can one say VERBALLY the 3rd is fine each MO.And now switch up?They said my contract exspired,and yet they renewed I guess my old one.How does this work?I am callingJermary To inform him of how I was lied to,and inform him of KennyUnpofessional contact ,conversation with myself.

Jazelle of Goose Creek SC (08/08/08)
Me and my husband have rented a 52 inch television from rent-a-center for the past 2 years. i recently went out of town and asked them to hold my tv until i return to avoid some one breaking into my home while i was away. When i returned to pick up the tv the following week, they stated that my contract had been restarted and i had 80 more payments to make on the television in which they gave me a voucher for approx 3000 dollars stating that this was the amount i had paid into the tv, when only the cash price is 1184.60.

i stated that i would rather take a smaller tv and less money to use the voucher that was given to me, to avoid having to pay any more money on the tv, because i had already paid 2x the amount. They stated, they could not do that. The same amount that i paid had to be paid into the tv i wanted to subsitute for and so on and so fourth. I found that to be rediculous, 2 weeks went by and i had not paid them a payment of the tv. they began calling my phone 2-3 times a day, stating that they refuse to take any more payments from me and all i have to do is return the television.

I called to speak with the store manager Kevin, who was handling my agreement but was no longer an employer there, the manager at the time stated they wounld not accept the payment. a couple of days later i recieved a message stating to come down and make a payment by one of the employees, but when i got there the store manager refused and stated i went too long w/o making a payment and there policy states they could not accept. i stated that was fine and i would see them in magistrate court.

Loss of money put into the purchase of the television and harassment by them calling 2-3 times a day first saying they would accept a payment and next the won't.

Ruben of Fort Lauderdale FL (08/06/08)
I rented a Sony Vaio Laptop from them. I've made payment on a weekly basis. sometimes late payments have been arranged and accepted. in April 2008 I flew to BWI and back. upon my return trip I put my laptop in my check in luggage. When I arrived at Fort Lauderdale my laptop was not in my bag. I filed a police report, a complaint with the airlines and with TSA.

I kept rent a center informed of all my contact with all 3 agencies and even provided them with a police report, a airline complaint, and the TSA complaint which is still pending investigation. If TSA finds that they are responsible for my loss the will pay rent a center the full amount of the laptop. All parties involved are fully aware of that. I continue to get phone calls 4-6 times a day from each employee including managers from this store. I get 3-4 visits to my home a day! banging as if they were the police looking for a fugitive and banging on the windows! I refuse to answer the door if I am home alone when some knocks on the door like that. and my roommate doesn't like that either. I get voice mails with legal threats and unprofessional name calling that I still have recorded.

I have never spoken to any staff of rent a center in an unprofessional way. I have advised them of all updates with the loss and recovery of payment. I have made some payments even after the loss of it. After a while I refused to pay anymore due to the unprofessional these people show. and I told them since they want to act this way they can wait until I hear back from TSA and if at that time TSA denies my claim I will continue to make payments. but all payment will stop due to their behavior until I receive word from TSA.

I did not want it to go to this level but I think I have no choice. If they feel they need to get warrant then I am very comfortable with them doing so. But I have a circumstantial situation and I have provided legal documentation that it was stolen and it is in the claims of TSA to pay off. No physical damage has been done Yet. But I do not want to even see these people in person for fear of my safety and the disrespectfulness on their behalf towards me

Pat of Kalamazoo MI (08/06/08)
I was 3 days late on a payment after paying them for the last 2 years. The so-called accounts manager for this store thought it would be appropriate to call my home and leave threatening messages; If I don't get a payment today, I will just have to come in there and get it! I was very upset and went directly to the store and let him know that I will make the payment that week but threats will not get it in there any quicker. He proceeded to tell me that he would just call the police and have the police meet him at my house to collect the merchandise.

I left the store..now of course some choice words came from my mouth after his next threat. I went home and about 20 minutes later a police cruiser pulled up to my home and then this Tony guy pulled up in a truck and demanded that I let him in my house. I don't know about laws in other states but in Michigan, this issue with the Rent to Own contract is a civil issue and the police will not enforce it...his only option is to take me to court. After telling him NO 3 times, the officer asked him to leave the premises. I really beleive that he thought he could scare me into letting him into my home because the police were standing there.

But now that this Tony person has decided it appropriate to bring public safety to my home for no reason than to harass me further, I wonder if the $500 balance is worth what they are going to have to deal with when they are hit with a suit by someone seeking damages for harassment. I did not deserve the police coming to my home and this jerk knows how things work in Michigan. It was a civil issue that our local district court could have resolved if he needed to be that passionate about it. My next move is to make sure that everyone that asks me knows the truth about RAC, based on my personal experience.

Robin of Ponchatoula LA (07/30/08)
we have been mistreated many times by a man by the first name of bob he is the credit manager... we have payed off everything in our home except our hd tv.. theres only 500.00 left owed.. go up there on july 30th 2008 to bring a payment of 50.00 till fri when we would have brought the other 20.00 in an this man would not accept our payment.. this is not the first time we have been treated like this.

i came home called the local office an was hung up on by this man before he even spoke to me after i gave him my name.. i was put on hold then hung up on . i called the main office in texas to file a compliant an said that i would get a lawyer if i had to an was also hung up on.. ive try to call back to the cust. service in texas an im still hung up on.. can someone please help me.. thanks,

Mary of Marshall TX (07/29/08)
i have purchased many times from this store,and it seems when i get down to oweing a small balance the manager gets really nasty...for instance, july first i made a payment and said i want to pay for the month, i am retired and only get paid the first of each month and they know this, i paid and was told see ya on the first.......the mamager has called and gotten really nasty with me and said i owe for the last week in this month,, i told i get paid on the first and i'll be in with another months payment well she has refused to except that.. told me i must come up with something before friday...

i borrowed a twenty, called her today to let her know i had a twenty to hold me till friday and she refused payment...said she didnt say that but god as my witness she told me to come up with something...yes maybe i should have looked at my reciept and saw it only carried me through the 26th but like i said i was there to pay for the month and the sales person didn't say anything to me so i thought nothing of it till the manager called and threatened to send someone out to the house......

i know so many people whom have gotton close to pay-off and the same bunch get really nasty about the payments...why is this? so they can come pick the items up and re-sale them that is exactly what is in a nut shell...this is really hard on people who are trying to be honest about paying and with the way things are money being tight and people loosing jobs .. they could back off a little bit...

no damages yet but i have been paying on this furniture for a year it is almost paid off and i dont think i have been late it just bothers me there is nothing we can really do about it

Dshawn of Chicago IL (07/21/08)
i am never late on my payment . my payment is due on a sat. i have ask them more than one time to stop calling me on sat about my payment. they started calling around 9:30 am every sat and i want them to stop i work on the weekend sometimes and i know my payment is due it is not late so why are they calling. i dont understand please help my promblem

the damage that its is cause is sometimes i dont have too worker and they call be the frist call i recived and that makes me very un set. i am amost finsh paying for my items i would be very happy when i am cause i would never rent from rentacenter again.

Joseph of Providence RI (07/21/08)
Iv'e rented a computer from Rent a center and returned it after having paid over $1600 dollars. I saw a newer version of this computer at best buy for $300.00 dollars. I now rent a bed room set and have paid over 5,200.00 dollars. I saw a similar bed room set at the Big top furnature store in providence, RI for 1,600.00 dollars. I explained to Dinar, the employee at rent a center that I feel this is unfair and that they have overcharged me for used products. I do not want to pay any more. Iv'e asked for a full reciept and a print out of how much I have paid. Johanna from Rent a Center tells me they do not provide that information to customers.

I get at least four calls a day threatening to file criminal charges aginst me for theft. these usery charges have made life impossible. I have a 6 month old child and the thought of going to jail over this makes me feel sick to my stomach. The fact that I cant get a full accounting of the bill leaves me feeling confused and helpless. I useally pay over the phone. They are Deceptive and horrible and I want them to stop.

Sarah of Woonsocket RI (07/19/08)
I have been a customer with rent a center since 1998. I have rented so many items I can't even remember how much money I have given them in the past ten years. Lately I have been feeling quite harrassed by the phone calls. I have been late a few times, but I call and I pay the late fees. Sometimes I get a call when I don't even owe any money until the next week.

I am getting sick and tired of getting phone calls when I am a grown person with enough time with rent a center for them not to even give me: what they say is a helpful call. Well it is getting to be harrassment. It has only been going on for the past two years.

They call me when I am at work. and I worry about losing my job.

Audrey of Los Angeles CA (07/19/08)
I rented a computer from this location I, have paid half or a little over half so some problems come about with my landlord fixing the unit so I moved to a motel and had my mail changed to my sister and brothers address they have made them so depressed that they are talking about moving my sister health has gone bad from all phone calls when robert come to the house and this is the second time it has happened

he leaves 42 sorry we missed you tags all over the yard and the door,the gate ,the windows they are just thrown everywhere my neighbor said tonight which is 07/18/08 robert came out about 9pm I know the store was closed so why would he do that I do not live with my sister I now live in a shelter until I can find a place my things are stored in my mothers storage. My sister husband is very upset on how he put all those tags over his yard and gate, my sister has high blood pressure and a couple of other things she's dealing with she don't need this. Robert need to be fired the awy he do things are not professional.

It has really put my sister health bad she has high blood pressure and headaches and a couple of other things but its not write, also I don't work at my job my boss thought that it was unprofessional with them coming to the school like they did so I have been laid off until another position opens up some where else.

Keysha of Federal Way WA (07/15/08)
Customer since 2005. voluntarily gave back a tv. I was told by chad i had 30 days to get it back. 2 weeks later i went to get it and he had already sold it. i has 1200.00 remaining on total price of tv. he then stated that we could gat another tv and the money paid on the first TV would go towards the new tv.

Well come to find out only the 1200 that was still owed was put towards the new TV because he claimed there were no TVs at the same price and that I had to upgrade. Well Iv'e paid well over the amount owed and I only have now a few hundred left to pay but everytime we come and pay late he tries to reposess our TV. He left 7 repo notices in one day, then onre time I went to pay and he didn't no I was there and he was talking crap about my husband and I checked him on it.

Not to mention the TV was origionally on a two week payment plan and at times I would go and pay before it was due to try and hurry on the payments and everytime he would change the scheduled date, then say were late. I believe he was scheming and pocketing money. This TV has been paid for an I believe Rent A Center owes me money. I need for this matter to be looked into and call the contract even I really don't owe anymore money.

Teri of Clarskville IN (07/09/08)
I have read all of these complaints and I am sure some of these people are being completely honest but lets look at some of these situations. If you are behind on your electric, gas, water or sewer you do not get a call from them before you are shut off. When someone rents from a rent to own store its because they can't get credit somewhere else or do not want to wait to save the money.

I have been a customer of Rentway which is now Rent A Center for almost 4 years now. I have paid off a dining room set, bedroom set, computer, curio cabinet and I am still paying for a tv, yes I paid more for them than I would have somewhere else and that is my fault for having messed up my credit. Rent A Center gave me a letter of recemendation when buying a car that helped me get the loan.

I have been late a few times calling in advance helps they have ALWAYS worked with me with NO problems. I moved a couple of years ago and RENT A CENTER came and moved the items I was renting from them, I know its so they knew where I lived but it helped out the tv is big and heavy. I am sorry all of you have had bad experiences with RENT A CENTER but mine has been good.

James of Holbrook MA (07/06/08)
well when they came to my house to collect thire money, they gave me an attitude when i told them to hold on because my mother was getting dressed, then my mom asked them a sarcastic question they laughed at her then i said i wouldnt trust them to do that any ways, then one of the employes start to argue with me and tried to fight me and was swearing at me. VERY UNPROFECIONAL

I AM SCARERD FOR THE SAME TWO PEOPLE TO COME BACK TO MY HOUSE NEXT TIME BECAUSE I DONT KNOW WAT THEY WILL DO.

Edward of Brunswick GA (07/04/08)
well they came to my home and knocked on the door well my wife was in the shower and heard a loud beating sound so she didnt go to the door and they manager starts hitting my front door putting dents all over the door this is so unreal

Heidi of Ottawa IL (07/03/08)
I work long hours trying to make ends meet and saturdays are manditory , saturdays i regularly make my payments so this saturday after work i went to do the same , i had to work over till 8 pm rent a center was closed when i got there so the following monday i called in to let them know i will be there soon to make my payment. i joked for a minute with one of there employees i always speak to keving and he said there would be a late fee , i said ok well how much so i know what to bring with me , he said let me let you talk to niles he can give you that info ,

i regularly pay like 96 a week , i then asked niles how much it was gonna be he said it was 184 a double payment for me being late i explained what had happened and asked if there was any way i could pay 100 today (meaning monday ) and 84 on thursday plus my normal payment , he told me well if you made your payment you wouldn't have this problem

i was astonished that he had the gull to speak to me in such a manner , i held my composure and explained i just didn't hav3e it to give , and he became irritated with me he kept speaking over me and as i got angrier and angier i no longer wanted to speak to him i told him i want'ed to speak to a manger he said he was the manger i told him there has to be somone above him he said his gm was sitting in front of him, i asked to speak to her he said she would have to call me back she never did

Nicole of Nokomis FL (06/30/08)
I am so infuriated with my experience with this company. We decided to rent a computer over a year ago. We have made 77 payments now at 43.70 a week. They call us every single day whether we are late or not. The first pc I got from them actually burned (the hard drive kept overheating), we gave it to them asking specifically that they either back up our personal documents or we would pay to take it elsewhere to have that done, promises made, they did not and gave me back a pc w/ all of my info gone. Months later exact same problem, brought the pc in, made it very clear to 3 different associates that all of my pictures were on there from the birth of my 2nd child, they told us ok no problem, we are putting notes on the pc, calling the service center and there is no way we will lose anything. I tried myself to back up the pictures but the pc would turn off after 2 minutes bc of the harddrive overheating. Also the disk drive would not open.

2 weeks later pc given back and everything was gone. The manager's response was The service techs did that, not us. I am now on my 3rd pc from these people. The pc I have now is USED it is not even a new computer. I only have 3 or 4 payments left, and they literally call us on the day the payment is due starting at 8am in the morning. They continue to call several times a day regardless of if we have spoken with them or not. We have never been more than a few days late. We have paid more than 3x times what this pc would cost. They harass us and are extremely rude.

Lost all of my personal data 2 separate occasions. The pc I have now is a USED pc that I have paid a ridiculous amount for. They refuses to give me a new one, saying the only pc they have at the store is this used one.

Melissa of Fort Kent ME (06/27/08)
I don't even have to be late on my payment and they call on Saturday saying it is a reminder call. If u r a day late, they threaten to take ur furniture. I don't understand how they can call u 20 times a day, that is herassment. Today I gave my boyfriend a check for them because I lost my debit card and am working long hours, they expect me to get a money order which I can't do. I am only a week late, but I work. I can't take cash out of the bank till monday and they won't exept that. What should I do. I can't let them have my son's bed. But I don't believe anyone deserves that kind of herassmint. I have been renting from them for 3 yrs now, and when they had there Madawaska office I never when through the herassment I go through now. They even contacted my bank about the check and she told them it was good. They still refused the payment.

It is very stressfull to support 4 children as a single mother with high needs, and them calling and threating us all the time.

Stephanie of Columbus NE (06/25/08)
We were behind on our computer payments, and they came to pick it up and hold it for us until we came up with the money. Come to find out, they rented it out to someone else, without wiping the drive! All our private documents, personal pictures, etc. were still on there! They got it back and shrugged it off, like oops, sorry.

Alethea of Tampa FL (06/25/08)
AS of Feburary 2008 I decided to rent something for my home. I rented a plasma televison set with a playstation 3.Well everything was set up with the company as planned. The payment was set and the day for delivery.The plasma and video game was paid up through March.

The merchandise was stolen out of the place where I lived by someone I knew they had a key to my home. I did the next thing I was suppose to do. I notified Rent A Center and also the police. I just didn't know what else to do I was already a high risk pregnacy and they threaten me telling me my children would be taken away from me and I would go to jail. I want to do whats right,but I have no contact with the person that took the product from my home.

I was very stress out with the calls to my home and the many threats of me not living a normal life anymore. I was so stress with them between April I consistanly stay in the hospital with pretrem labor because I was very worried.

George of Columbia SC (06/25/08)
I am a cancer patient being treated by an oncologist. My treatment, that I'm having is enought stress & strain on my wife. Rent-a-Center habit's of activities against my wife do not comply to my wellness of health. Because of their attiude it prevents my wife from appling the nessasary and timely attention I need from her. If I need to I will point out this subject to my attoney.

We rented some items last year, a couch set and entertment center, plus a 32 flat screen t.v.. We have only signed one contract, and I understand there were two other contracts that we were not aware of. We got behind because of my illness, my wife lost her job taking care of me. So they took the t.v. & couch set.

Come to find out later I wasn't late. Early pay off was only $100 for the couch set. Said, they would hold the couch. Well they sold it. So I called RAC hotline to discuss my couch. The new manager said they would find me a couch of the same value of $147 plus tax they said I owed on my couch. I paid over $900.00.

They sent my wife to stores that had couches that value $147,couches that had spots & rundown. My wife found the same couch at RCA West Columbia. They wrote up a new contract to pay it out in 90 days same as cash. We should have got the couch set free, they made the mistake.

Because of the two other contracts we never signed. They said we had to pay out my entertainment center by 6/23/08 ($81) or we will have to pay $209 until it was paid out. My wife called the manager & district manager told them both we need until 6/25/08 they wouldn't do that.

We also found out that I was covered under benefit's plus when my wife losted her job in Nov. 07. that's when things got behind. I should have be covered for everything I lost & the extra payments I had to pay. They owe me money, I should not have owed them another dime. And they knew I was disabled and had cancer. But they didn't care.

I would not advise anyone to get anything from them! The Stress and Strain on my family and I was not worth it!! Something really needs to be done about this situation! It should be against the law for people to write contracts on someone and not have them sign it, that's wrong and underhanded just to get money.

Donald of Carrollton OH (06/17/08)
We rented a computer off of Rent a Center. We have paid on it for over a year. My girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer and we fell behind on our payments. We stayed in touch with them to let them know the situation. Since we were so close to having the computer paid off, we wanted to try our best not to lose it.

They got ridiculous in collecting the money for this. They would call 20 plus times a day, call relatives, call my work, visit the house daily and go to every door and window they could to look in. When I would call to discuss the account, they were very rude. They finally threatened us with court action, which they took. On top of the $1000 plus we've paid on the computer, they got a judgement for another $1200. I just feel like this wasn't a normal circumstance with her having cancer and the emotional and now financial burden they've placed on us is horrible. The money that was paid is way over what the computer was worth in the first place, and now they may end up garnishing my wages. She is unable to work now, and it's awful the treatment you receive from them.

Lawsuit and garnishment threat. Extra stress on my girlfriend while she was already ill and us facing cancer. They just have no respect or pity for anyone. They are way out of line.

Marcus of San Angelo TX (06/09/08)
Well I have been a client for Rent-Way/Ren-A-centr for what would have been for three years. Yes i will admit at times i did get behind a few times, but i have also purchased at least two other items from this company. I lost my job in Feb. so i got behind on carpayments and house payments. So after i was i believe they said 25 days after 1500 days of doing buisness with this company (give or take a few hundred days. One day Leroy comes by my house continuously rings the door bell for thirty minutes. Ohh i have to remind you my girlfriends in the house on bedrest trying to recover from her problematic brain tunmor thats how i knew of the entire situation.

anyway after beating on the door and continuously ringing the doorbell for about 15 mins. Brent decices to pull up in from of my house on i guess a Harley Davidson motorcycle and revs and revs his extrermely loud pipes for about four minutes. He then gets off the motorcycle and joins Mr. Sten in beating on my door and continuously ringing my doorbell terroryfying my fiancee. After they are done ringing my doorbell and beeating on my door they start screaming and yelling my name and beating on the window.

After wind of this gets to my fiancee`s mom she immediately pulls money out of her account in which she could not readilly afford to pay for ths TV, because the Store Mgr. said that i coldnt pay the amount to get caught up (295) i had to pay the entire(1295) or they were going to pick-up my TV the next day so just to keep the TV i was Paying a little more than 100 dollars a month for a little over one year I had to all of a sudden come up with 1295 dollars

Lamont of Cullowhee NC (06/05/08)
I rented a tv from rent a center. While i was working late my home was broken into and several items were stolen incuding the tv. I had insurance on the tv which my policy states that in a case of forced entry that my merchandise would be insured. I issued rent a center a police report as required.

They state that sense i dont have direct beneifits plus that they will not be able to replace my merchandise. They claim that the type of insurance i have was to protect me from having to pay the remainding balance. They also stated that i would have to continue to pay on the mercandise that is no longer in my possession. I agreed to continue to pay. three weeks have gone by and im still being harassed from them about making payments. i havent heard from them regarding the status of my situation just harassing calls demanding for the weekly balance.

Shane of Imperial Beach CA (05/15/08)
i baught furnature at the store the sign says 100% money back satisfaction gurantee . i took photos of the sign, i want my money back now. IF i do not get it back in full i am posting bad reviews with my 650,000 network contacks. its not right im sick of being herased because im 20 minuts late on a payment then told they will take my stuff if i do not come in. im a very busy person so what if im a day late when i am paying 4000 in intrest alone. i am very disapointed

got into car axedent for rushing down there to pay or loose my stuff. instaed i got a busted car and back injuries.

Jacqueline of Woonsocket RI (05/08/08)
I recently Just purchased a living room set from them and paid cash for it, the manager said there are no refunds on used furniture, I had no problem with that because she gave it to me for 300.00 plus tax so it was sold to me as seen as is kind of deal!

However my complaint is as follows. I asked about how much it would cost to move it to my apartment just in case I could not find anyone to help me move it? My apartment is across the street from rent a center and she told me $50.00 if we bring it in or $25.00 if we just leave it at your door I thought that was pretty steep since I only live across the street, but I decided to go with the 25.00 dollar one because I am on SSI and I could not afford any more than that. she then added the 25.00 on my bill along with the furniture cost, I did not think anything of it because I figured she would just return it if I got help in moving my living room set!

While this transaction was taking place we decided on a moving date which would be set 2 days later, but After speaking to a few friends in my neighborhood they agreed to help me move the set that evening at no charge, we are a very poor community but we are always there for each other!

A few days later I went back to rent a center for my $25.00 for the furniture delivery charge and the manager said it was non refundable, I said what? but you never delivered my living room my friends picked it up and delivered it them selfs the same day I purchased it, I also stated to the manager she never mentioned to me that the delivery charge was non-refundable she only said the furniture was non-refundable, then she showed me how rude she was because she felt the need to go to her office and slam the door in my face without talking to me about this because I had a valid point, I then went to side of her office and knocked on the window for her to come and speak to me and she then shut the shades on me, I really cannot believe this woman is a manager and works with the public and not to mention this is the thanks I get for doing business with them! I

 know 25.00 is not much to complain about, but it is for someone like me and I am sure many others who is trying to make ends meet, I could not even afford the living room set but the one I had was so old it was falling apart, so I saved every month and went without until I was able to get one in my price range. I did call rent a center head quarters in Texas several times to report this manager and no one will return any of my calls.

Daniel of Kelseyville CA (05/07/08)
I've been a long time customer of Rent A Center. I moved recently and now serviced by a new office. I've paid off 5 different items 90 days same as cash over last 2 years. I'm currently paying for a computer. I decided to get a digital camera from RAC. It was a great camera had it for a month then was late on the payment and They decided they wanted to hold it. I told them cool, The money will be here tomorrow so i'll pay for it then. I was told to my face by the assistant manager that it woudln't be a problem I had till close of business next day to pick it back up.

Well mid afternoon I go in to pay for it and it's been put back into the system. The note written on it is Return to system ASAP!! He lied to my face completely. So i re-rent it and pay for a week, then I decide I want to pay 90 days same as cash. the initial 90 days same as cash price was 221. didn't realize when i re-rented it that the new cash price was 248 and when i went to buy it out was told i needed to pay 227. So i returned the camera and i'm just going to walmart buy a 12mp camera for 50 bucks less than RAC for a 7mp camera. And my computer would go back too if I haven't been investing on it for over 9 months now.

The district manager called me and said there was a slight price discprepancy and you payoff is 179. I'm still going to walmart. I am done with RAC besides my computer which is the last thing i'm getting there.

Don of Madison Heights MI (04/25/08)
My father is 77 years old and legally blind. My father's wife passed away on March 14, 2008 from as of yet undetermined causes. The cause of death has still not been determined by the Wayne County Medical Examiner's office. The tests being conducted can take up to 12 weeks to be completed. Once completed, the death certificate will be amended with the cause of death.

Prior to her death she rented a living room set and bedroom set from Rent A Center located in Monroe at a cost of approximately $450.00 per month. She had insurance on the furniture through the Benefits Plus coverage that Rent A Center sells to its customers. The furniture should have been paid for in full upon her death. Because the death certificate does not list a cause of death as of yet, Rent A Center has stated that they will pick up my father's furniture on Friday April 25, 2008, which will probably have already happened by the time you read this.

Rent A Center has repeatedly made harassing calls to bully us into producing an amended death certificate, which we are of course incapable of doing until the Wayne County Medical Examiner's office completes its tests. We were given a telephone number for Rent A Center by the manager in Monroe. However, they refused to help us in any way.

Jayceon of Stone Mountain GA (04/24/08)
Im a former RENTACENTER employee, and for all you that dont know. Your account freezes when you dont opt the 90 DAY SAME AS CASH. After the 90 days are up, whatever you pay, however much you pay your account balance stays the same for a few weeks. That's something that they don't tell you. Yes they charge double the value of their merchandise, thats how they profit.

I've seen customers pay thousands of dollars for 32in tv's that only cost 2-3 hundred dollars in Wal-Mart. Our store manager created false accounts and took merchandise home. Overcharged real accounts to pay for the fakes, but he was later caught and fired. MY WARNING TO YOU IS STAY AWAY FROM RENT TO OWN STORES.

David of Arlington TX (04/12/08)
I have been sitting here reading all of the bad experiences that have been had with Rent A Center and I wanted to take the time as a former Store Manager for the company to educate consumers of common practices and training provided by this particular company.

There was a story by an individual stating that they could not pay off their merchandise because it was currently in service this is a common practice amongst managers because they are looked down upon my their bosses for losing business and very rarely is it possible for the manager or other employees to entice the customer that just paid off an item to go ahead and rent another because of the kind of treatment they recieved and how much they have paid for the items in the long run (which there is also a formula for how this works it is for times the original value of the item).

The only way to get a great deal from this company is to pay off the items within your 90 day period and if you can't do this i would seriously suggest looking for a cash deal for whatever you are looking to purchase and if the store that you are in does not have something like this there is usually more than one store in your area in my area there are 7 in a 5 mile radius. Not to defend the employees of managers in these stores but they are following orders usually given to them more like forced down their throats by the district managers.

I understand that these people have an option to do whatever they think is the right choice but they are also in fear of losing their jobs. I guess what I am saying is that all store employees are made to believe that if they do not do as told by their superiors they will no longer have a job with the company.

I worked for the company for 3 yrs and when you first start with them you love what you do but the more that you are with the company and you notice that the people you deal with from other stores on an everyday basis are either being let go for lack of performance or are quitting because of the kind of treatment that they are recieving and eventually you become the target and unless you are willing to do whatever is being asked of you regardless of your own beliefs you will be let go. So consumers please be aware of what you are getting yourself into prior to dealing with this company take it from someone who worked for the company

Steven of Valley Park MO (03/22/08)
I started my contract with Rent A Center in Dec. of 2006. My entire home is from there. I pay around $560.00 a month. Well my dvd player and tv have gone in for service and every time they come back there is damage to them. All I every get from employees is a run around. My tv just came back with a scratch right in the middle of the screen, my dvd player has scratches all over it and no control knob.

Three weeks ago I went to pay my contract off, $2000.00 was what my payoff was. I told the manager to charge it to my card and he said he couldn't do that. I can't pay it off while my stuff is being serviced. No where in my contract does it say that.

Damages are as follows. T.V., DVD player. Both cosmetic deffects from the time Rent A Center took them for service and recieved them back. Lost time having to go to the store to check on my items. Over payment due to not being allowed to pay off my contract.

Pat of Marion OH (03/22/08)
In December 2007 around Christmas, we rented a Queen sized bed. We had company in from N.C. When the bed was delivered it was NASTY! The mattress was dirty and you could see bodt impressions in the mattress both sides.

We only had the bed for a weekand a couple of days. We had to pay $100.00 for a full month. Our company from out of State got little to NO sleep and they ended up leaving here sick. We told the guys who came to pick up the mattress and springs, to look at the bed and tell us what they thought. All they said was they would let their bosses know! About a month and a half later we got a phone call asking how our experiece was and if we needed anything else. This was Prime time to express ourselves. Needless to say Nothing came of it!

I don,t know about you but with the economy with the way it is today $100.00 is alot for just a few days of use. I could have gotten a better mattress at Goodwill or the Salvation Army!

We paid $100.00 for a POOR Product. Ren-A-Center apparently does not care that they just lost a customer! We were renting a bed about two or three times a year. Our guest became ill from little to no rest. We cannot say for sure but I would venture to guess that with the mattress being as NASTY as it was , some of the illness could have been brought on from that!

Donna of Englewood OH (03/12/08)
I am renting a compact washer, a computer and a camcorder. I started renting in March 2007. All of these items totaled $78.00 per week. I got laid off from my job in January 2008. I continued making my payments on time with my unemployment money. In March of 2008 my finances started getting tight so I was 3 days late and they called me and told me that they need to set up an appointment to pick up their merchandise. I asked them if I could get some type of extension to pay and they told me no, they need to pick up their merchandise. I am very mad because I have already given them a total of $4000.00 in a year's time. They call me everyday leaving me messages. I fell like if I was a good costumer and never late, then show me some respect or give me the merchandise. I paid them 4 times the amount of what it was worth. Everything I rented from them was used.

Dev of Long Beach CA (02/12/08)
Rent a center is also deceptive in its initial agreement. 90 days same as cash. If your due date land on a holiday or a closed day, you lose. The club is deceptive because it does not cover anything that the initial contract does not cover. Special advertisement is also deceptive. If you are not a long time customer, you do not get the advertisement. The delivery times advertised are false. People are made to pay more than what's due or they are threatened that their merchandise will be picked up. Profiling is used when renting merchandise. Old merchandise is given and is sent out to customers as new. Staff members are afraid to report injuries because they will be singled out and terminated. Many times staff are wrongfully terminated and false paperwork is created.
 
I suffered emotional and financial loss.

Ben of Harrisburg PA (02/11/08)
Be late with a payment and they never leave you alone. They treat customers like dirt. I was one day late with my payment and they must have called over 20 times every hour on the hour. I was out of town and came home to "you know your payments due today" at like 8:30 in the morning, then again at 9 and again at 9:30, and 10:15,then another at 11:10, and over and over again. Enough to drive a person crazy. I returned the computer I rented next day and before I could even get their more phone calls. They said if I didn't pay them that same day someone would come to my house and get the computer.

Charles of Union City GA (02/09/08)
I recently signed up for a promotion to have one appliance free till Feb 2nd. After initial problems by the staff (losing the paper work, delivering item four days after promise date, not to mention misplacing the handles to the appliance and delivering in absolutely filthy condition with bugs and food stains), the manager extended me one free week to make up for their errors. Since then, I have repeatedly been harassed over payment that was not due till Feb 9, 2008.

I received harassing phone calls every day for a week straight since Feb 3rd on my house phone, my cell phone and my girlfriend's cell phone, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. On Feb 9th, I received another call from loss prevention saying that I was trying to steal a refrigerator and I will have criminal charges filed against me on monday morning. Loss prevention stated that, "you don't have money and you trying to get smart with me? This is my job baby, this is what I do playa, we picking it up monday morning, what time you gonna be home playa?". What type of slang is this? Is the language displayed appropriate for the work place? Is this the type of professionalism taught by rent a center? I am not his baby nor am I his playa, nor should I be threatened with criminal charges for a bill that wasn't even due yet or told that I can't afford a $35 bill. This was very unprofessional and a discredit to rent a center. Meanwhile, all this was being said to me while my family and I ate dinner at a restaurant, how uncomfortable was this for me? At this point, I will never deal with rent a center for any of my needs. I am very disappointed with the language used by its employees and disturbed by their practices. It's very upsetting tha't I cant even enjoy the refrigerator for my free week because I'm constantly being harassed about me stealing it and having it picked up before my due date.

Lisa of Madison Heights MI (01/19/08)
My husband has been renting a TV (which we're paying double what it's worth) for 1 1/2 years from Rent A Center. In addition to his weekly payment he pays extra for the Benefits Plus plan that's suppose to pay a percentage of the payments when he goes on unemployment every winter. This is the second year and they still haven't managed to get it right. They keep blaming it on us when they never fill out the proper paperwork or give us the right forms to fill out. After 2 months of waiting for this to kick in, we finally had to take care of it ourselves by calling benefits plus and faxing the proper forms. Same thing happened last year. Now we're just waiting for the check to go to the store. We didn't make this week's payment because the check is coming any day now and this should have been taken care of 2 months ago and explained why we weren't paying them this week but they refuse to listen and continue to harrass us. They even came by the house to get the TV today and tried to turn the door knob to open the door. But it was locked. Are they allowed to just come in your house? Why are they like this, we've never missed a payment.  I think they do these kinds of things on purpose anything they can to try to take your stuff back so you lose all the money you've put into it.

I am terrified that Rent A Center employees are going to try to get into my house again. Next time I'm calling the police and telling them someone is trying to break in.

Debra of Lock Haven PA (01/12/08)
About two years ago I purchased a stove from Rent A Center . I have made weekly payments with the exception of twice but which I made the next business day. One of these I made after a bad snow storm . I tried to explain to them, but they made me pay the $5.00 extras anyway. As of this date 1-12-08 I only owe them $109.07. I drove there with a check to pay off the stove. I walked up to the counter, and the man asked me what I wanted. I told him I wanted to pay off the stove and started to hand him the check which he refused to take. I asked him why, and he said he couldn't help me. He would not take the check. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS: WHY I COULD NOT PAY OFF MY STOVE WITH A CHECK? THIS MAN HAS BEEN VERY RUDE TO ME SINCE DAY ONE. PLEASE HELP ME ANSWER THIS QUESTION. THANK YOU.

I'm out my gas, time and frustration and also questions not answered.

Melissa of Coxsackie NY (01/12/08)
My payments are due every Saturday, and beginning on Saturday before the store even opens they begin calling. They leave messages 4-5 times in the day, until the payment is made.

Robert of Luray VA (01/08/08)
I was purchasing a computer from them and they wound up charging me double the asking price for it. They also had me paying for a television that i did not have. I was paying 2-3 times a week when it was set up for once a week.

I had lost a lot of money with them which shorted me on my bill money.

Tenika of Jasper TX (01/07/08)
I have been a customer with Rent a Center for the pass 3 years, paying off about 3-4 accounts with no problem. Recently, I entered into a new contract with them for the purchase of a refridgerator. I made my payments like I normally did, every now and then I would be late but never over 5-7 days and when late I would always be required to pay an extra week, which was no problem either. A few weeks ago, I was late on my payment and instead on being satisfied with calling all of my working numbers for myself and my husband, the rep decided to call my dad and tell him what I had purchased, how far behind I was, etc. TOO MUCH INFO!

I called the store and questioned the rep and he made a mockery of not only me but all customers by saying well if yall paid yall bill, yall wouldn't have to worry about that! Go ahead and complain, nothing's goin to be done! We hear this all the time from YALL!

Brenda of Zanesville OH (11/29/07)
My daughter rented a tv. They called and asked for payment asked them to wait for 2 days when she got paid. This was on Thurs. Her daughter got sick and she had to take her to the ER 2 days later which was Sat. 11/24, while she was gone the manager called and spoke to my 73 year old mom with no respect.

He told her he wanted the tv. She told him she couldn't let him go get it because there are dogs in the basement (this is where the tv was). He told my mom that he would bring the police and have them shoot the dogs. Now, this is very unprofessional on a manager's part. He also said he didn't care who was there it was HIS and he wanted it back. This is NOT his it belongs to the rental agency not him. He also told her other things and wouldn't let her say a word. When she did try to say anything he totally ignored her and continued to talk over her. He was taking it out on her when she had nothing to do with it.

Then Tues. my sister called the costumer service, they put her in touch with the district manager and she left a message for him to call her back. She never heard from him. So, today I called 11/29 and spoke with a woman give my mother's, daughter's, and sister's name. She then came back and said that the district manager tried to call a few times but the phone rang in busy. That was a lie, no one has been on the phone due to waiting for his call, then she hung up on me. I called back and said that I wanted to speak with someone and I told her I had gotten hung up on and she did it again. I have already contacted the BBB, the FTC, and the Attorney General and waiting on a reply.

Derrick of North Las Vegas, NV (11/18/07)
A friend of mine got an account with Rent-A-Center.  She asked me on 10/15/07 if I could make a payment for her on my credit card.  I called RAC and made a one time payment for her. 

On 11/16/07 RAC withdrew money out of my account!  I didn't give them the OK or didn't even know why they did it.  I had not talked to them and I do not have an account with them.

Lawana of Prattville AL (11/12/07)
I rented a computer from Rent A Center and had it paid down on the books to $80.00. I had to send it back because of financial problems. I recently got a letter saying that I could pick up where I left off on the same computer or another one at the same price. I went to do this-- rented another one as they said that my other one had been sold, but I could get this one...it would just be a little more. The price for the first one was $17.00 weekly; this one is $23.99 a week.

But now, instead of picking up where I left off, I have to start over. I just don't think that's fair. I'm on disability, and I really can't afford this. Is there anything that can be done to enforce that they just let me pick up on the payments as they promised? I feel that I am being robbed.

Selina of Cincinnati OH (10/20/07)
I've been renting furniture from Rent a Center for over 90 days at $114.22 weekly and had not missed a payment my boyfriend got laid off. I told Rent a Center what happened, and they do not want to even try to work something out so that I can get on with my payment which is every two weeks. After putting almost $1500 into what I've rented with intent to purchase they want me to return it and lose all the money we've worked for. It just isn't fair; we were never late until he got laid off.

Rent a Center has been harrassing my kids by coming to the house when I am at work--threating them that they're going to call the police if they don't let them in or by leaving notes.  They also harrass my co-workers at work.

Mary of Harrisburg PA (10/18/07)
I rented a laptop computer from rent- a-center. work 2 jobs and was having trouble getting to the store while it was open and neither of my jobs being a factory will allow to use the phone.I made the frist 3 payments on time.When my four payment came due I was asked to work a 12 hour shift the night before.I sent the store an e_mail and asked them to charge the 31 dallars due to credit card as I had to be at work at 6 and didn't get off intil 6 a.m. and won't be home intil after 7 p.m. they closed at 6.

They began calling and left 5-6 messages saying that the payment was due today. I had to work both my jobs on Monday and went to work at 7 in the morning and didn't get home inti 9:30 at night I left them a note asking them to charge the card.When I got home that night their were 5-6 more message saying they need payment today.I called the cusomer service number and they told me they couldn't charge a card without taking to you.The man who was calling from the store never told me we can't take payment that way.

I tried to call 2 times the next day using someone cell phone and no one would answer the phone at the store.When I got home from work more messages and the store was closed.I went by their on my way to work and put the money addresed like a letter and putting it in the slot.They called me and said they didn't understand why I put the letter the in the slot and couldn't figer out what I wanted them to do with it.And comtined to leave messages saying I am past due on the account.They not very friendly and they make do their way or they won't excpet it.I called and talked to the distic manger and all he said was we can not take payment unless you call it in over the phone or come in and give it to us.

Krystal of Inglewood CA (10/09/07)
I purchased a big screen t.v from the company July 16, 2005 for the amount of 4,862.48 which is 31.99 weekly. So if the weekly payment of 31.99 is met it will take 152 weeks to pay off the entire amount. So of course if a person is paying more than 31.99 a week to hurry up and pay off the t.v it will be less than 152 weeks before the t.v is payed off. Correct?

Okay I have been paying more than 31.99 a week and yet my payments are not adding up. The discrepancy I have with the company is that I just recently requested a full print out regarding the amount of payments I have paid thus far and the amount remaining on the t.v. Now I am going to show and describe the inquiry I have received from their office.

remaining balance: 529.51

weekly amount: 31.99

estimated time of payout: 8 months (June 17,2007)

Which is 32wks, 128.00 a month $128.00 multiplied by 8 mths= $1024.00

But the office printout shows I owe only 529.51. Clearly shown here I am being over charged an apprx. $400.00 or so. Not to mention after adding up the amount I have paid on the t.v within the last 2 years. I have far exceeded the amount owed on the t.v.

Christie of Anderson SC (05/29/07)
I purchased a 2003 model Zenith Big screen in 2005. Since then I've had to pay over 300.00 the first time to get a transformer on the circuit board replaced and now a few months later, the back of my TV caught on fire. I guess from the circuit boards. I'm lucky I was at home or I would have lost my whole home.

Zack of Temecula CA (03/24/07)

I was told that it would be about 4 weeks to get a NEW couch. Right after the delivery drivers left I noticed a HUGE rip on the back of the middle portion that had been sewed up. There was also a broken spring in the left portion. They said they knew about it and would order a new middle portion and a new left portion. I waited and waited and still no middle portion. I would call and speak with Brian he would tell me that he would order it or he would give us a discount on the price of the couch.

After being ran around for almost one year still nothing had been replaced. So we gave the couch back and were out all the money we had paid towards the couch. On top of all that they had tacked on to our balance another $500.00 after 90 days without any notice. We recently purchased a computer from them and now are experiencing the same problem. The told me that they had ordered NEW speakers and they handed me used ones.

Patricia of Sacramento CA (03/20/07)
I purchaes a 55-inch Toshiba television April 2005. I had many problems with this TV. To have it fixed it will cost me at min $500.00.

Laura of Flat Rock MI (02/11/07)

I bought a bedroom set last year (still paying). It looked like nice furniture, but the drawers started to peel. I told the office what was happening, and they blew it off. I told them I needed them replaced. They "are" horrible looking. They finally sent someone out. I asked him what he planned on doing and his comment was "I'll put it in the computer". I asked him if he would replace them, and he told me "I'll see". What kind of response is that? I begged the man basically to replace them, and he blew me off.

The next couple months later I asked them what was going on and what was going to be done to make this right. "They’re on order" the lady said. Well that’s alright. I was happy to hear that, but the guy who came to my house previously, came out of an office and told me that I shouldn't complain. He told me that there were people waiting for six months to get replacements. 8 months later and I still have no replacement.

Jeline of Fresno CA (01/26/07)
My husband and I rented what we thought was a new computer and later found out that when we signed the contract it was a used laptop -- our fault. Then we got the lap top home and as I was using the task manager trying to import clip art I had choose a clip that asked me to insert disc 2 of worksuite 2006. I told the store manager and he act as if I didn't know how to use a computer. Then I was told they would order it. I gave them 2 weeks .

Went back to store was told on back up because of holidays. Next time I came in I was given a new start up pack for a old computer (windows 2004) , I told them that it wasn'  the right one . Every week the managers change or its a different story today I was told that we have to bring the windows 2004 back and they would order it for us . I've waited since november 20th around that time and they still haven't got it.

Marguerite of Patchogue, NY (01/14/07)
My 19-year old daughter gets paid every two weeks.  She is not paid well and helps me take care of her little sisters since I cannot work.  On top of that she goes to school.

She has been renting a Dell computer because she has to write papers for school every week.  The pressure to keep paying Rent A Center for an over-priced computer is driving her nuts!  They priced it to be over $4000, meanwhile the computer is worth about $400.  She has spent over $900 already!

Roxanne of Gilroy CA (12/07/06)
Purchased a 48 screen tv a year and a half ago. well we started having problems with the color,so we notified rac.they came picked up tv and said they were going to send it out to service. when we got the tv back a month later it was still doing the same thing. We then called RAC and told them it was still doing the same thing they got mad ,and said they would be there to pick it up.

To make along story short RAC wound up taking the tv from to have it fixed (so they say) a total of 5 times.through out the year and a half they have had it about a year. They always gave a loaner. Now we only have one more payment left, and the tv has been doing the same thing, and they refuse to have it fixed.

Leslie of Chico CA (12/02/06)
I purchased a washer & dryer in Oct. 2005, 2 couch sets in April 2006 and due to loss of employment became late on payments which I realize I was responsible for. I made several arrangements throughout this time to have the 1 couch set picked up, but they continued to say they didn't want it back and would work with me. They did in fact do this, but I receive at least 4-5 phone calls a day being called a liar and threats to pick up merchandise. They did come get my couch/love seat in Oct and stated I owed 200.00 on washer/dryer and would put the other couch set (which they damaged on delivery and never replaced leg that was deeply scratched) in my daughter's name (it's hers).

I have been emotionally distraught due to this and a family emerg. and offered to pay small amts. which I was told they could not take - numerous times when they came to my home late at night they would refuse small payments. Today (12/02/06) they came to get washer/dryer and when I asked them to come back when I could clear my garage and they refused and the one man shoved his foot against my door so I could not close it and threatened to call police. Because I was so confused and shocked I opened the garage and let them take it. I did ask the one young man who has made several sexual overtones to my daughter and her friend (who also rents) in my presence to not come into my garage and yet he did. I offered to give them 100.00 in cash for the washer/dryer and they refused.

Then they continued to ask for the other couch set knowing well I don't have it in my possession and stated they would go to her place of employment to talk to her (she is not on the account). I am so upset right now I can't believe he put his foot against my door (he is a large man) and threatened me. I admit I owe the money, I was wrong not to always call back, but I was really afraid today and in shock. The washer/dryer set was suppose to be new, it wasn't, it leaks. They said I owed $310.00 (this constantly changes) and upon numerous requests for print outs, nothing was done. I feel I paid enough money to them (which is more than double the original cost for new merchandise). I am a single parent with a disabled son and I struggle.

Debbie of Sussex NJ (11/19/06)
I rented to own a sofa and 1 coffee table and 2 end tables. They were supposed to be brand new but they gave me the floor models which the tables were all scratched and the sofa was used. I was also told a different price on the sofa than I ended up paying. They told me it was $1400.00, it ended up being $3900.00. They did come and take back the used one they originally gave me and gave me a new one but was not the style or color I wanted.  After i paid the amount they told me the sofa was i called them and they told me then that the sofa was $3900.00. I told them that I wasn't paying that much for a sofa and to come and get it.

I had nothing to sit on for almost 2 months. I don't have the money right out to buy furniture, so I ended up sitting on a kitchen table chair until I found someone who was throwing out the couch I now have.

Nanci of Colusa CA (11/19/06)
My husband and I bought a big screen, the salesperson said that if we were not satisfied that could return it within a week, I came back in and had addressed that it was blurry, he raised his voice stating that he gave us a deal on that one and he had learned his lesson, what do i expect him to do. I was shocked, I asked to speak with a supervisor and he said no one was available but he would try and get me in a different one.

During the process, he was very rude, he kept saying do you realize that if you return this t.v, it will look bad on me. I  transferred my account to yuba city and they are very nice.

Raymond of Branson MO (11/18/06)
I went in to rent to own a big screen T.V. which the one I found was about 51'inches. We sat and talked about the payment and the payment options for the 90 day same as cash rule. I agreede among the terms. I received a T.V. the next day or so and, I thought everything was kosher. After having the T.V. over 30 days I received a phone call from one of the reps telling me that they made a mistake on the delivery and, how they brought me the wrong T.V. the one I have is a 57' inch and if I was going to keep it, it would be anywhere from $800-1,000 extra dollars for 6 more inches.

I tried to get in contact with the manager but, like everytime I ever called for him he was on vacation. After calling a month I finally got in contact with him an explained my situation and, he told me the same difference as his reps. Only thing he could do was extend my date to another 90 days and that he would credit me a large amount of that. Well I accepted that later, only to find there was no large credit amount and orginal days had expired and I owe a full amount I tried to contact everyone I could but I kept getting the run around or playing phone tag to all these managers even district or region even area and still no one ever called me back to this day and thats been about 4 months ago but I continue to pay for a T.V. that was way over priced.

Tanya of Independence WV (08/14/06)
I bought a Whirlpool Washer and dryer from rent a center last year after just 6 months the washer stopped spinning we bought a second thinking it was because the other was worn out because it was used and the 2nd was brand new out of the box just 4 months later guess what it quit spinning. I have had to call the store 4 times to get them to pick it up and fix it i ahd to argue with them to do this i think if someone spends $500.00 on a washer BRAND NEW IN BOX and has to deliver it themselves and it quits working 4 months afterwards IT SHOULD BE REPLACED i say they are just JUNK..

Tammy of Watervliet MI (01/25/06)
I purchased a side by side refrigerator/freezer 3yrs ago. On sunday 1-22-06 i come home from work to a warm fridge and thawed freezer. I know whirpool is a good company all of the appliances in my home are whirlpool, the last fridge i had was 20 yrs old before it went out and was also whirlpool.

Arthur of Palm Springs CO (10/21/05)
We purchased A floor model TV and an Entertainment Center from them a few months ago....The remote control to the surround system did not have a back to the batteries department...They have been claiming to send that along with the manuals to the surround system and the floor model TV. We have not received them as of yet.... The door on the entertainment center is not aligned correctly and there is a dent in the floor model TV that they put there trying to get the TV up the steps to the apartment....

We rented the stuff on August 2 2005 and it is now October 21 2005..We have paying our rent every week just like we agreed to...They have sent out a letter stating that we have not payed our rent that we agreed on and that our agreement is up with them and that they want their money or the will come and get the equipment.

Latonia of Long Island City NY (08/01/05)
I have rented merchandise from Rent-a- Center In Feb,2004. I rented a television and a computer. I paid for them every week on time. Recently my financil stage has change slightly but I am still able to pay it just sometimes a little late. They come to my house leaving all types of signs on my door for everyone to see. They call my job everyday while I am working. I think I am a very good customer where as they don't need to come harassing me when i miss just a few days or weeks. I had this merchandise for over a year now and paying it off. I don't think they have to do this. It's disturbs me and my family when we are sleep in the morning and It disturbs me when I am at work.

Tracey of Philadelphia PA (01/19/05)
Went into an agreement with rent-a-center in May 26,2001. I rented a Big Screen tv with DVD. The merchandise was brand new. My payments totalled $248.41 monthly for 37 month for a total cost of 8,987.36. I made regular payments for a year and then ran into financial problems and they had to take it back I had paid $1, 897.39 when they took it. I tried when my finances improved to negotiate with them for an agreement where I would pick up my payments where I left off or pick out something else but until this day I have been unsuccessful.

William of West Warwick RI (09/20/04)
They keep harassing me for payments even after they received it. They make me nervous and upset with these phone calls and I have an anxiety problem.They already received a payment this past saturday in the amount of $43.00

Tonya of Myrtle Beach SC (07/18/04)
HARASSMENT - As in calling my cell phone 4 times w/in a two hour time period DESPITE the fact that I asked him to use my home telephone number (asked several times and NEVER has he called my home phone) Also calling me on my job; harassing me and a fellow employee regarding my payment. Coming to my home (apartment) and BANGING on the door, then trying to push his way inside my apartment. Trying to physically intimidate me and making threats to take back the computer i have been paying on since December 23, 2004 when the acct. was in fact only 1 day late.

THEN the next day calling me at my job acting as though he forgot he was at my apartment the evening before. There is also some discrepency on part of RAC changing my acct. from being paid monthly to being paid weekly - without my knowledge OR consent. This has all occured in the last 4 months since I transfered my acct. from Georgia to the M.B. location when we moved here. I am not the only customer he treats this way- I have dubbed them the Rent-a-Center mafia because that is exactly the strong arm tactics he uses. There is also the matter of the amount they say I currently owe is very wrong. I've paid around $900 already and was told the payoff amount now is over $1100 - can they charge that much in finance charges?

Rebecca of Duarte CA (12/18/03)
When they delivered my headboard and Dresser they dropped the headboard and cracked it on the whole left side and the dresser was broken on the front strip. I was told they would replace the headboard and glue the dresser strip back on. I have contacted them since this initially happened which was on August 29, 2003. I have been getting the run around. First they said they would replace item and now they are saying they cannot because they no longer do business with this company. I have asked for my money recharged to my account (Visa) but they have refused and even asked for half of the money replaced but still they say they cannot do that. I would like to have the full amount due back to my account.

Upon Delivering the items to my house the Dresser Mirror was damaged the strip across the front of the dresser is broken half off, and The Head board of the bed was dropped when the delivery guy bought it into my house and cracked it up the whole left side.

Wanda of Thomasville NC (10/24/03)
First I got sick and got behind on payments and I have paid outrageous amounts to supposedly catch-up but every time I turn around I am constantly being called saying I owe this or that. It is never the same amount,so either someone is lying or taking money. Also there is this fee called a waiver fee this is suppose to be optional.Well I was not given chose so I think I should be given back the money I have paid on this.Which figures to be 6.50 for 1 year and 5 months which roughly comes to 468.00. The reason I say this is because my refrigerator stopped cooling in the first of march and didn't get fixed until September and is still not fixed.I don,t think I should have to pay for something they don't honor or that I did not request.

Also I work third shift and have ask them not to call at 8:30 in the morning but they call any way.I have paid way to much money to give back so pretty much have had to put up with harassment.Also had someone come out here and try to come in my house with no one home told neighbor if happens again call police.I think that covers most of it.

Has caused a great deal of stress to me and my husband and son. My husband is on dialysis and does not need this stress.

Brenda of Pembroke GA (10/28/02)
I was literally cussed out and embarrassed by a manager, in front of three customers and another worker at Rent-A-Center, on Oct.26,02 He rudely informed me to get the hell out of his store after I refused to give him my payment on my livingroom set(sectional and tables) upon learning that he refuses to replace my coffee table that was messed up upon purchase and I was promised that he would order me a new one. He never has and instead has given me a hard time implying that I stripped the leg of the table when I pointed it out to him the day he loaded it for me. This has been a promise for the past 5 weeks now to replace this table.

Larry of Saginaw MI (06/18/02)
Every time a payment is due , rent a center send out people to collect. But their collection method is total harrassing, they go around your house banging on your windows, using obscene words, which is very upsetting. I'll contact the manager about this and said that he would continue this type of tactics. They also call my parents, sisters, brothers, friend, or anybody they think know me. I'll had my telephone change , but they go in my brothers, or sisters account and get it, they also said that they are they are allowed to use these tactics, that they don't come under other collection laws. they call you all times of day , the evening, they even use cell phones. I only owe them about 350.00 dollars.  If I assault them I go to jail if they assault me its okay.

Donna of New Paris OH (05/07/02)
My husband and i were renting a washer and dryer from this company. We had it paid down to the pay off being 66.00. We were late with our payment and as it does state in there contract they can repo. the items. but it also states that if we come back in within 60 days and catch up payment we will not lose the items and they will be returned. We went back in within that time period (less than 30 days) to pay off our washer and dryer but they refused to give it back. They said they no longer had it.

Betty of Belle MI (01/30/02)
My mother and I went to Rent-a-center to rent a big screen TV. The advertised price was 33.00 a week. A sign was attached to the TV stating the 33.00 a week price. When we talked to the salesman, he told us that since it was Super Bowl weekend the TV's price was now 200.00 a week. Isn't that price gouging? Is it legal?

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