Last Updated December 27, 2023
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What is a Vehicle Leasing Agreement?
A Vehicle Leasing Agreement is a document that outlines the terms and conditions between a vehicle lessor (i.e., the owner) and a lessee.
An official document protects the interests of both parties because it provides evidence of their agreed-upon rights and responsibilities. This is especially important when parties wish to negotiate terms such as:
- Lease rates and payment schedules
- A down payment amount
- The lease duration
Use LawDepot’s Vehicle Leasing Agreement template to lease any motor vehicle with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), including:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Motorized scooters
- Mopeds
- Recreational vehicles
- Powerboats with a Hull Identification Number (HIN)
A Vehicle Leasing Agreement is also known as:
- Vehicle rent agreement
- Car lease contract
- Auto lease
Can you lease a used car?
Yes, it’s perfectly legal to lease a used car. However, it’s crucial you disclose as much information about the car's condition as possible, including if:
- It was in an accident
- It ever had fire, flood, or structural damage
- It has functional anti-lock brakes or airbags
- An insurer declared the vehicle to be irreparable or classified it as rebuilt
- There are other details that may affect the lessee's decision to enter the lease
Whether you’re leasing a new or used vehicle, our lease template ensures you cover the necessary details.
How do I write a Vehicle Leasing Agreement?
Simply answer our user-friendly questionnaire to customize the Vehicle Leasing Agreement template.
A clear and specific vehicle description typically includes:
- Whether its use is primarily for business or personal purposes
- Whether it’s new or used
- Body type (e.g., sedan, semi-truck, box truck, etc.)
- Year (e.g., 2022, 2023)
- Make (e.g., Toyota)
- Model (e.g., Hilux)
- Colour (e.g., black)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
What’s a VIN?
All vehicles are assigned a unique 17-character VIN (also called a chassis number) when they're manufactured. To find this number, check your driver’s side door, accident reports, insurance records, or repair work orders.
Can I add vehicle accessories?
To add vehicle accessories (e.g., trailer hitches, ladder racks, etc.) to the description, you can do so with the “Additional Clauses” section in the questionnaire or by using the LawDepot Editor to insert details into the document where needed.
Step 2: Add party details
Your document must include information about the lessor and lessee:
- Whether they’re an individual or an organisation
- Full names
- Addresses
Step 3: State any warranty and insurance terms
If needed, you can apply two types of warranties to the lease:
- A manufacturer’s warranty comes with the original purchase of a vehicle. If there’s still coverage, state how many years are left on the warranty.
- A supplementary warranty may be available when the owner (or a third party) provides a warranty for repairs. This warranty may take effect when the manufacturer’s warranty expires, and it may last until the end of the lease term. If your agreement includes a supplementary warranty, state how much it will cost the lessee.
All Canadian provinces and territories require drivers to have insurance, although the amount of coverage needed may vary. So, your Vehicle Lease Agreement should state the:
- Minimum insurance coverage
- Maximum deductible on fire, theft, and collision
- Gap coverage (if applicable)
What’s gap coverage?
It covers the difference between what the insurance company says the car is worth, and what the lessee would have to pay under the lease if the vehicle is destroyed. This stops the lessee from having to pay further charges.
Step 4: Customise your lease terms
Consider how these key terms may (or may not) apply to your situation:
- The lease length (e.g., one year)
- The allowable limit of kilometres (e.g., unlimited or a specified amount)
- Pricing information such as the vehicle’s value, any added fees (e.g., late fees, cleaning fees, etc.), a down payment (optional), the lease rate, payment schedules, pre-authorized payments, security deposits, and taxes
- An option to purchase (i.e., “lease-to-own”)
- Obligations should either party end the lease early
What’s the best length for a vehicle lease?
Most LawDepot users set their lease for 12 months. However, the ideal length will vary depending on the lessee’s needs and financial capabilities.
For example, a shorter lease may require higher monthly payments, while a longer lease may require a larger security deposit. Keep in mind that older vehicles require more maintenance, so a longer lease can increase your liabilities.
Step 5: Prepare to sign
You can use the “Additional Clauses” section to write a unique term that wasn’t already addressed in the questionnaire. In most cases, this isn’t necessary. Consult a lawyer if you need more support about applying terms and conditions to your contract.
When you’re ready, execute your Vehicle Lease Agreement by having the lessor and lessee sign the document.
What are the responsibilities of the vehicle lessee?
The lessee is responsible for providing the necessary insurance coverage and must keep the vehicle maintained and in good repair.
If the lessee returns the leased vehicle with excessive interior wear, large dents or scratches, or any major mechanical damage, it’s likely they’ll need to pay for the repairs.
How does leasing a vehicle affect credit scores?
If the lessor reports lease payments to a credit bureau, the lessee may see an impact on their credit score. Whether that impact is negative or positive will depend on the lessee’s ability to make timely payments. By taking on a vehicle lease, the lessee accepts responsibility for their personal credit score.
Are car lease payments tax deductible?
Yes, Canadians can deduct the costs of leasing a vehicle used to earn income. It is the lessee’s responsibility to determine their eligibility to do so.
What happens at the end of the vehicle lease term?
At the end of the vehicle lease term, the lessee returns the vehicle to the lessor. If the lessee paid a security deposit at the beginning of the lease, the lessor will inspect the vehicle and calculate any deductions.
With a lease-to-own contract, the lease payments made during the duration of the agreement will typically count toward the total purchase price.
A Vehicle Leasing Agreement can also list penalties for ending the lease before the term is up, such as paying the balance of the remaining lease payments plus other fees.