Factsheet: Consumer leases

You don't automatically own the item

• Check the terms of your agreement to find out whether you'll own the item at the end of the lease or rental period.
• People often think they're buying an item by instalments only to find out they have no right to the item at all, or have to make an offer to buy it when they have made all of the payments. Don't rely on the salesperson's explanation, check the lease agreement.

You are responsible if the item is damaged or stolen

• Even if an item is damaged, stolen or destroyed, you still have to keep making the payments, as set out in your agreement.
• So you need to think about taking out insurance to cover the replacement cost of the item if something goes wrong. Sometimes this is a condition of signing the agreement.

Terms and conditions can be complicated

• If you do decide to go ahead with a lease agreement, make sure you know exactly what you're getting into. For example, you may be charged account-keeping fees as well as penalties if you miss repayments, break the agreement or pay it off early. (See steps 2-3 on page 3.)
• Make sure you check all the terms and conditions before you sign anything. Often the penalty for breaking a lease is that you still have to repay an amount equal to the rental payments for the full term of the lease, even though you have given back the goods you were renting.

Leasing may not be the best way to buy something

• Beware of impulse buys and watch out for high-pressure salespeople. There is usually no cooling-off period with a consumer lease agreement, so shop around for the best deal before you buy.
• Take the time to explore all your purchasing options first. You may be better off waiting a while and saving up for the item.
• Consider lay-by. This option may not be widely promoted, but is usually available if you ask for it. With lay-by, you pay your purchase off in instalments, with no extra fees or charges. Of course, you have to wait until you've paid it off in full before taking your purchase home, but you will save a lot of money in fees and avoid getting hit with hefty interest charges.
• If you still want to go ahead with leasing, remember that many stores offer this option. So shop around for the best price on the goods and the best terms on the lease agreement.

Only sign a business purpose declaration if you are really using it for business

• Only sign a business purpose declaration if you are really using the leased item for business and are able to claim your lease payments as a valid business expense for taxation purposes.
• By signing a business purpose declaration, you may lose valuable rights under the credit law.

Step 1.
Work out if you can afford to borrow

• Before you borrow, use our budget planner to see exactly where you are spending your money and how much you can afford in repayments.
• Think about whether you can save up the money for the item, or put it on lay-by. By using lay-by you won't pay interest or fees, so it will cost you less. You may also get a discount if you pay in cash.
• Alternatively, see if there are other cheaper forms of credit available.

• If you're on a low income, you may qualify for a loan through the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS®), which offers small loans for specific purposes, like buying a fridge or washing machine. The Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service can help you find your nearest provider, or call ASIC's Infoline on 1300 300 630.

  Read our factsheets No or low-interest loans and Rent to buy.

Step 2.
Shop around for the best deal

• If you decide to go ahead and lease, make sure you know exactly what you're getting into. Just as you would shop around for the item itself, shop around to get the best deal on finance.
• Take time to compare product features and fees and charges. Even a small difference in fees or interest rates can make a big difference to what you have to pay.

Step 3.
Know who and what you're dealing with

• Ask questions about the terms and conditions of the lease agreement so you know what you're getting into.
• Check the total amount you will pay for the item if you lease it - it may be turn out to be too expensive.
• Anyone who wants to engage in credit activities (including brokers) must be licensed with ASIC, or be an authorised representative of someone who is licensed. If they aren't, they are operating illegally.
• There is currently an exemption from licensing for credit assistance provided through some businesses (for example, retail stores and car yards). While the store may be exempt, the actual credit provider must still be licensed. If you are unsure who the provider is, ask the person you are dealing with to point out the name in your lease agreement.
• To find out if a credit provider is licensed or call ASIC's Infoline on 1300 300 630.
• Anyone engaging in credit activities (for example, by providing credit or assistance to you) must give you either a credit guide (with information such as their licence number, fees and details of your right to complain) or a written notice with details of your right to complain about their activities.

Step 4.
Keep up with your repayments

• Keep up your repayments, to avoid being hit with penalty fees for missed or late payments - or to have the goods you are leasing taken away.

Step 5.
Get help if you can't pay your debts

• Act quickly if you are having trouble making repayments. It may be difficult to face the problem, but ignoring it will only make things worse.
• If you can't make the full repayment, pay what you can. Contact your credit provider without delay.
• If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you have the right to apply to the credit provider for a hardship variation. If the credit provider refuses, you can complain to its independent dispute resolution scheme (see step 6 below).
• There are places you can go for help. See our sample letters and information about support services such as financial counselling and legal assistance, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or ASIC's Infoline on 1300 300 630.
• See our factsheet Can't pay your debts?

• Try to resolve your problem with your credit provider first.
• If you aren't satisfied, take your complaint to your provider's independent dispute resolution scheme, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). You can call them on 1800 931 678.
• If you think that a credit provider has acted unlawfully or in a misleading way, you can complain to ASIC online or call ASIC's Infoline on 1300 300 630.