Safety tips
Lease transfers can be a great deal — protect yourself before money changes hands.
1. Confirm transfer eligibility with the leasing company
Not every lease can be transferred. Some leasing companies (and some states) restrict or prohibit transfers entirely. Call the leasing company directly and confirm a transfer is allowed for this specific vehicle before going further.
2. Never rely only on seller statements
Sellers may be honest but mistaken. Independently verify payment amount, months remaining, mileage, and fees with the leasing company and the lease paperwork.
3. Do not send large payments without paperwork
Be extremely cautious with upfront payments, deposits, or incentives that flow before an official transfer is approved. Scammers ask for money before paperwork. Real transfers are handled by the leasing company.
4. Get all terms in writing
Any incentive (cash, covered payments, who pays the transfer fee) should be documented in writing before you proceed.
5. Confirm whether the original lessee remains liable
Some leasing companies keep the original lessee partially liable even after a transfer. Both parties should understand exactly who is responsible after the transfer completes.
6. Inspect the car
Inspect the vehicle in person (or via a trusted third-party inspection). Check for damage that could trigger excess wear-and-tear charges at lease end.
7. Verify mileage and condition
Confirm the current odometer reading and compare it to the allowed mileage. Over-mileage fees can be significant.
8. Understand all fees
- Transfer fee — charged by the leasing company to process the transfer.
- Disposition fee — charged at lease end when returning the vehicle.
- Excess wear-and-tear fees — for damage beyond normal use.
- Over-mileage fees — per-mile charge for exceeding the allowance.