Yes, you can remove someone from a car lease, but it is not a simple or guaranteed process. The most common and straightforward method is through a lease assumption, where a qualified individual takes over the departing lessee's responsibilities. This requires approval from the leasing company, which will involve a credit check and application fee for the new lessee. The original lessee is typically released from liability only after the new lessee is formally approved and the contract is reassigned.
Another option is a lease buyout. You can purchase the vehicle from the leasing company at its current buyout price, pay off the loan, and then technically remove the other person's name from the car's title. However, this requires a significant amount of cash or the ability to secure a new auto loan. The third, and often most difficult, path is to directly request a cosigner release from the lender. Some contracts have a clause that may allow for a release after a certain number of on-time payments, but lenders are generally reluctant to reduce their number of obligated parties.
It is crucial to review your specific lease agreement for any relevant clauses. The table below outlines the key methods and their primary considerations.
| Method | Primary Requirement | Potential Cost/Fee | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Lease Assumption | Lessor approval & a qualified new lessee | $100 - $600 application/transfer fee | Not all leasing companies permit assumptions; some brands (e.g., Tesla) prohibit them entirely. |
| Lease Buyout | Securing funds for the vehicle's payoff amount | Purchase price plus possible sales tax | This ends the lease agreement entirely and converts it into a purchase. |
| Cosigner Release | Lessor approval based on primary lessee's credit | Possible processing fee | This is the least common option and is rarely granted without a strong payment history. |
| Early Termination | Paying all remaining payments and fees | Early termination fee (often substantial) | The most expensive option; not recommended solely for removing a person. |
Ultimately, your success depends entirely on the policies of your leasing company. Your first step should be to contact them directly to understand which options are available to you and what the specific requirements would be.
