Car Leasing Glossary - Open-end Lease

Open-end Lease (car leasing term)

A type of lease in which the lessee is responsible for the difference between the residual value and the realized value at the end of the lease. The lessee may be entitled to a refund if the realized value is greater than the residual balance.

Sometimes called a finance lease. It usually offers lower payments, but carries a risk for the consumer. Under an open-end lease, the lessee must pay any difference between the residual value of the car as stated in the lease and the fair market value of the car, if lower, at the end of the lease. The lessor pays for the appraisal that sets the value. If the consumer doesn't agree with it, the consumer may pay for a binding, independent appraisal by someone agreed to by both parties. Because the lessee is taking on the risk of having to come up with this extra payment, the payments are lower than for a closed-end lease.

A lease agreement in which the amount you owe at the end of the lease term is based on the difference between the residual value of the leased property and its realized value. Your lease agreement may provide for a refund of any excess if the realized value is greater than the residual value. In an open-end consumer lease, assuming you have met the mileage and wear standards, the residual value is considered unreasonable if it exceeds the realized value by more than 3 times the base monthly payment (sometimes called the "three-payment rule"). If you believe the amount owed at the end of the lease term is unreasonable and refuse to pay, the lessor or assignee (define: assignee) may attempt to prove that the residual value was reasonable when it was set at the beginning of the lease. However, if you cannot reach a settlement with the lessor or assignee, you cannot be forced to pay the excess amount unless the lessor or assignee brings a successful court action and pays your reasonable attorney's fees.

Car Leasing Opportunity Cost