For many consumers, leasing a car offers flexibility and lower monthly payments. Still, when it comes time to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease term, unexpected fees can become a costly surprise. Many dealerships have been reported charging excessive fees during lease buyouts, often without properly disclosing them in the lease agreement. If you face this situation, it’s essential to understand your rights under the Consumer Leasing Act (CLA) and how you can take action against these unfair practices.
The Lease Buyout Trap: Hidden Fees
When you lease a vehicle, your lease agreement typically specifies the purchase option price—the price you can pay to buy the car at the end of the lease term. This price is usually agreed upon when you sign the lease, along with any official fees, such as taxes or registration costs. However, many consumers have reported being hit with additional, undisclosed charges when they attempt to exercise this purchase option.
Some common fees that dealerships add at the time of the buyout include:
- Pre-delivery service fees: Even though the lessee has been driving the vehicle throughout the lease term, some dealerships charge a fee to “prepare” the car for sale.
- Document fees: These inflated fees are for allegedly processing paperwork, which often goes far beyond what is reasonable or necessary.
- E-filing fees: Charges for allegedly electronically filing documents, sometimes exorbitantly priced.
- Inspection or certification fees: Some dealerships tell you that they are required to inspect or certify the pre-owned process, even though the vehicle has been in your possession during the lease.
These charges can add up to thousands of dollars, far exceeding the purchase price disclosed in the lease agreement. However, according to the Consumer Leasing Act, these extra fees are not lawful unless they were clearly outlined in your original lease.
Your Rights Under the Consumer Leasing Act
The Consumer Leasing Act (CLA) is designed to protect consumers from unfair leasing practices and hidden charges. Under the CLA, all fees related to the lease or lease buyout must be disclosed at the start of the lease. This includes any fees for exercising the purchase option, such as pre-delivery service charges or documentation fees. If these fees are not mentioned in the lease, the dealership has violated federal law.
Under the CLA, you could be entitled to:
- Reimbursement of improperly assessed fees: If the dealership has charged fees not listed in your lease agreement, you could demand that these be refunded.
- Attorney’s fees and costs: If you take legal action, the dealership may be required to cover your legal costs.
- Statutory damages: You may be entitled to additional damages, up to $2,000, if the dealership violated the CLA.
How to Take Action
If you face unexpected fees when buying out your lease, the first step is to carefully review your lease agreement. Look for any mention of the fees being charged—if they’re not listed, the dealership is likely in violation of the CLA.
Next, gather any documentation, such as invoices or receipts, that show the dealership has charged fees that were not disclosed. This will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Many consumers across Florida have successfully recovered thousands of dollars in unfair charges from dealerships that imposed hidden fees during lease buyouts. Whether it’s a pre-delivery fee, document fee, or a fabricated inspection cost, you have options to get your money back and hold the dealership accountable.
Hidden fees during lease buyouts are a growing problem, but you don’t have to accept them. The Consumer Leasing Act offers strong protections, requiring dealerships to disclose all fees upfront. If your dealership is charging undisclosed fees, you can take legal action to recover your money and prevent other consumers from falling into the same trap.
How Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen Can Help You Fight Back Against Hidden Lease Buyout Fees
At Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen, we specialize in protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, including those involving hidden fees during lease buyouts. If you’re facing excessive or undisclosed charges when purchasing your leased vehicle, our experienced legal team can help you hold the dealership accountable.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Free Case Evaluation: We offer a complimentary review of your case to determine if the dealership has violated the Consumer Leasing Act by charging hidden fees.
- Legal Representation: If your dealership has imposed unauthorized fees, we will file a claim on your behalf, seeking reimbursement for the improper charges. We’ll also pursue recovery of your attorney’s fees and other potential damages.
- Expert Guidance: Our attorneys are well-versed in the Consumer Leasing Act and Florida’s state laws. We will help you navigate the complexities of your lease agreement and ensure your rights are protected.
- Proven Track Record: We have successfully recovered significant amounts in compensation for clients who have been unfairly overcharged by dealerships.
Don’t let a dealership saddle you with unnecessary fees—We are here to ensure you receive a fair, transparent buyout process. Contact us today for your free case evaluation and take the first step toward reclaiming your rights and money.
