Car dealerships are trying to add additional fees to car lease purchases while pretending that they are “standard” or normal. If those fees are not clearly spelled out in the lease, they actually violate federal law, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Car dealers are now frequently adding “dealer fees,” “inspection fees,” and other surprise or unexpected fees to consumers who inquire about purchasing their vehicle at the end of a lease. However, these dealers often hide the fact that lease agreements–which are binding contracts–spell out exactly what fees a dealer may charge a consumer when they execute a lease purchase option.
If a dealer tries to force those additional fees on your car lease purchase, and your lease does not explicitly allow for those fees, that dealer is potentially breaching its lease contract, and also potentially violating the Consumer Leasing Act (the “CLA”). The CLA specifically requires that any lessor state, in the lease contract, whether you are entitled to purchase the leased vehicle, and if so, “the purchase price or the method for determining the price and when the lessee may exercise this option.” As a result, the dealer is required to abide by the terms of its lease.
If a dealership attempts to impose additional fees on your lease purchase transaction, the CLA provides for compensation in a variety of ways. Specifically, the CLA provides for up-to $2,000 in statutory damages under most circumstances—even if you did not pay the fee—as well as a refund of any illegal fees you did pay, as well as the payment of your attorney’s fees and costs in a successful case.
If you have been quoted illegal or unexpected dealer fees or other purchase fees that are not covered in your lease, do not hesitate to contact us at info@pkglegal.com or at (561) 726-8444 for a free evaluation of your claim.