Accessibility links

Leasing equipment

Checklist for what to consider when leasing.

At Ashworth Treasure we can provide businesses in the Lancashire area with advice and support on a wide range of business issues. This article includes information on leasing equipment.

Leasing equipment rather than buying it can often be better for your bottom line, but it is important to read the fine print and weigh up all the factors before signing anything.

Above all, shop around and compare deals.

Below is a checklist of the most important factors to consider.

Print
  Tick
Is the initial term of the lease and the amount and timing of rental payments clear?  
Do the terms of the lease provide an option for renewal and if so on what terms?  
Are you allowed to sublease the equipment?  
Who is responsible for maintaining the equipment? Will your maintenance costs be higher or lower than if you owned it?  
Are you allowed to make any modifications to the equipment?  
Who is responsible for ensuring the equipment conforms to any existing or future regulations it might be subject to?  
What happens if the equipment is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed? Does the lease specify what liability if any you would incur?  
Who is responsible for insuring the equipment? To whom would any claims be paid?  
Can you change the lease if your circumstances change?  
Do the terms of the lease include a right to purchase, and if so on what terms?  
Does the lease allow for premature termination, and if so in what circumstances? What penalties, if any, does premature termination incur?  
What costs will be incurred at the termination of the lease, and how much of this will you have to cover?  

This list is by no means comprehensive. There are many other potential pitfalls with leases such as warranty issues, regulatory requirements, taxes, license fees, and public liability.

If you are in the Lancashire area and are looking for support and help from experienced accountants and business advisers, contact Ashworth Treasure.

Latest News

18 Sep 2025

British household energy debt has tripled in a decade

The number of customers falling behind on energy bills with no repayment plan in place has more than tripled between 2012 and 2024, according to from the Resolution Foundation.

17 Sep 2025

Inflation heaping pressure on firms, warns BCC

UK firms are still under pressure after the annual rate of inflation remained at 3.8% in August, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned.
ICAEW Business Advice Service
ACCA
xero
sage
Chartered tax Advisers