Lease Takeover 101
What is a lease takeover?
A lease takeover (or lease transfer) is when someone else's remaining lease — payments, mileage allowance, and end date — gets signed over to you. You take over the monthly payments for the months remaining; the original lessee is released from the obligation once the finance company approves the transfer.
Why it can save you money
You skip the down payment a new lease usually requires, and you often pick up a car with months already run in — sometimes with an incentive from the current lessee who wants out early. You're also not committing to a brand-new 24–48 month term, since you only take on the months remaining.
The 5 gotchas
Credit check & transfer fee
The finance company still has to approve you before the lease can transfer — expect a credit check and a transfer fee (often $75–$500+, paid to the finance company, not the seller).
Kilometre allowance math
Check the km allowance against how many kilometres are already on the odometer and how many months remain. Going over at lease-end triggers a per-km overage charge — typically $0.10–$0.20/km, depending on the vehicle.
Wear-and-tear charges
Dents, worn tires, and interior damage beyond "normal wear" get billed at lease-end. Ask for recent photos and, if possible, inspect the car in person before you commit.
Disposition fee
Some leases charge a disposition fee if the car isn't purchased at lease-end — that cost lands on whoever holds the lease when it ends, so know who's on the hook.
Insurance requirements
Leased vehicles usually require higher liability limits and gap coverage than a typical policy. Get an insurance quote before you commit to the transfer.
True monthly cost, beyond the payment
The advertised monthly payment isn't the whole story. Add fuel or charging, insurance, and routine maintenance to see what the car actually costs you each month.
Estimate your true monthly cost →How transfers work on this site
List Your Vehicle
Add your vehicle to your garage with photos, details, and what deal type you want — lease transfer, direct swap, or swap with cash.
Find a Match
Browse listings or get matched with people looking for exactly what you have. Filter by make, model, location, and deal type.
Exchange Securely
Make an offer, chat directly, and finalize the deal. For lease transfers, we help track the finance company approval process.