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Lease Return Guide & Checklist

Avoid surprise penalties by preparing for your lease end inspection.

Start planning your transition and schedule a pre-inspection.

Schedule a Pre-Inspection: Contact the leasing company to arrange a complimentary pre-inspection. This gives you time to fix issues cheaply before returning.
Check Your Mileage: Compare your current odometer reading to your allowed mileage. Estimate if you'll go over and calculate potential fees.
Research Your Next Move: Decide if you want to buy out the current lease, lease a new car, or buy a different vehicle.

Address wear and tear to avoid dealership markup penalties.

Check Tire Tread: Most leases require at least 4/32" of tread depth and matching tire brands/types. Used tires might be cheaper than the penalty.
Fix Scratches & Dents: "Normal wear and tear" usually means scratches under 2 inches. Larger dents or cracked glass should be repaired through your insurance or an independent body shop.
Clean the Interior: Remove permanent stains, fix tears in the upholstery, and eliminate strong odors (like smoke).

What to bring to the dealership.

All Keys and Fobs: Missing keys can cost $200-$500 each.
Original Equipment: Floor mats, cargo covers, spare tire, jack, and owner's manual must be in the vehicle.
Clear Personal Data: Factory reset the infotainment system to remove Bluetooth pairings, home addresses, and contacts.
Get a Return Receipt: Never leave the keys without a signed odometer statement and a vehicle return receipt.