How to Structure an Equipment Lease

What “structure” really means

Structuring an equipment lease is the art of matching cash flow, ownership goals, and upgrade timing to the right combination of term, residual/buyout, fees, and risk obligations. Done well, you’ll secure the asset you need, keep payments predictable, and avoid surprises at end-of-term.

Leasing sits inside our broader Equipment Financing toolkit alongside Equipment Loans, an Equipment Line of Credit, and Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback. Mehmi also owns the equipment we sell—see current inventory and confirm fit on Eligible Equipment.

The step-by-step blueprint

1) Set the objective

Decide what matters most: lowest monthly, path to ownership, or upgrade flexibility. Your objective drives everything else (term, residual, buyout type).

2) Pick the lease type

• FMV (Fair Market Value): Lowest monthly; buy/renew/return at end. Best for fast-changing tech or when cash flow is king. See Equipment Leases.
  
  
• Fixed or $10 Buyout: Lease-to-own with a known buyout. Good for long-life assets (trucks, heavy iron).
  
  
• Percentage Residual (e.g., 10%): Balanced; lower monthly now with a clear, modest buyout later.
  
  
• Conditional Sales Contract (CSC): Lease-style docs with loan-like economics. See Conditional Sales Contracts.
  
  

3) Choose term and residual together

Typical terms are 24–72 months. A higher residual lowers the monthly but shifts cost to end-of-term. Align the residual with your plan: buy and keep, or return/upgrade.

4) Decide the upfront outlay

Most leases ask for first/last payment and fees; some use a security deposit or small down payment (helpful for startups—see In-House Financing).

5) Bundle the true “all-in” cost

Roll delivery, installation, and taxes into the financed amount if you need to preserve cash. Budget realistically so the unit is productive on day one.

6) Set operating assumptions

If applicable, define hours/odometer caps, maintenance responsibilities, insurance, and return condition. Clarify treatment of attachments/upfits up front.

7) Plan the end-of-term path now

Lock in whether you’ll buy, renew, or return before you sign. If buyout is material, you can finance it later via an Equipment Loan or Sale-Leaseback.

8) Choose smart payment curves

Flat payments are common, but seasonal/step-up/step-down schedules can track revenue. If you make frequent purchases, an Equipment Line of Credit reduces admin and speeds repeat approvals.

9) Prepare underwriting documents

Quote/spec sheet, ownership details, recent bank statements, proof of revenue, and any contracts supporting utilization. For working-capital buffers, pair a Working Capital Loan or Line of Credit.

10) Close cleanly, operate, and monitor

Sign, insure, accept delivery, and track hours/mileage. Calendar a pre-return review ~90–120 days from maturity.

Structure recipes by industry (illustrative)

Cost levers that change your monthly

Model scenarios instantly with the calculator—try 48 vs 60 months and FMV vs fixed buyout.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Picking an FMV lease when you know you’ll keep the asset (buyout shock).
  
  
• Underestimating return standards (hours/odometer, wear items).
  
  
• Forgetting to align residual with cash available at term end.
  
  
• Financing a specialty asset with weak resale on an FMV structure.
  
  
• Skipping pre-return inspection and remedial repairs.
  
  

Case study: Fixed residual that fit cash flow

An Ontario concrete contractor needed a wheel loader before peak season. We structured 60 months with a modest fixed residual, rolled delivery/tax into the lease, and synchronized payments to project cash flow. Monthlies landed below a comparable loan; at term-end, the client plans to exercise the buyout and keep the unit as a core fleet asset. If cash tightens, the residual can be financed via an equipment loan or a sale-leaseback while the loader stays in service.

FAQs: Structuring an equipment lease

What lease type should I choose?
If upgrades are likely, consider FMV. If you’ll keep the unit, a fixed or % residual or CSC fits better. See Equipment Leases and Conditional Sales Contracts.

Can I lease used equipment?
Often yes—subject to age/condition and resale strength. Confirm on Eligible Equipment or browse our inventory.

How do I lower the monthly?
Increase the residual, extend the term, add a modest down payment, or finance newer, liquid assets. Test combinations in the calculator.

What if I need frequent acquisitions?
Pair leasing with an Equipment Line of Credit to speed repeat approvals.

How do I handle the buyout at term end?
Pay cash, finance with an Equipment Loan, or use Refinancing & Sale-Leaseback.

What if my credit is thin?
Startups and thinner files can qualify with In-House Financing, a reasonable down payment, or newer collateral.

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If you want a structure that locks in the lowest sustainable monthly without painting you into a corner at end-of-term, run a few scenarios in the calculator and feel free to contact our credit analysts via Contact Us.

If your focus is trucks, explore our used inventory.