The trust has formed an alliance with Ryland Homes and Kaufman& Broad for the undertaking. Tenants in 25 apartmentcommunities in the Denver area can now apply 20% of their rent as acredit to purchase a new dwelling from either of the home builders.The program is under way in Phoenix and will soon be rolled out inNashville, says Eric Miller, the "Rent with Equity" programspokesman. The program does not result in a rent increase, hesays.

''Anyone who has dreamed of owning a home will love thisprogram,'' says Mickey Cummings, executive vice president of EQR,whose chairman is Chicago billionaire Sam Zell. ''It is a simplesolution to assist our residents in saving money for the purchaseof a brand new home.''

Why is Equity encouraging renters to leave? ''I suppose it doesseem a little strange, but a lot of people rent an apartment untilthey can afford to buy a home,'' Miller told GlobeSt.com. ''We'renot going to stop that. It's the American Dream to own a home. Sowe might as well help people save for a down payment.''