Short-Term Equipment Leasing for Projects & Seasonal Needs

Not every business needs equipment for 5 years.

• A construction firm may win a 6-month bridge contract
• A snow removal service may only operate in winter
• A pop-up business might need a generator or trailer for one summer

In these cases, long-term equipment loans or leases don’t make sense—and that’s where short-term leasing comes in.

This guide explains:

• What short-term leasing is
• Which industries it’s suited for
• How it compares to long-term financing
• Common structures and tips
• A real example of a successful project-based lease

Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush or launching a temporary site, Mehmi helps you get in and out without overcommitting.

What Is Short-Term Equipment Leasing?

Short-term leasing provides access to equipment for 3–18 months, with flexible terms designed to match:

• Seasonal spikes
• Contract timelines
• Pilot programs or temporary setups
• Event- or location-specific needs

Unlike rentals, which often charge daily or weekly rates, leases are typically monthly—offering better value for medium-term use.

Industries That Benefit from Short-Term Leasing

Short-Term Leasing vs. Long-Term Financing

✅ Short-Term Lease:

• 3–18 month term
• Monthly payments
• Return equipment at end
• No ownership
• Ideal for temporary needs

✅ Long-Term Loan or Lease:

• 24–84 month term
• Build equity or own equipment
• Lower monthly cost per month
• Ideal for core, long-term assets

The key difference? Ownership vs. access. Short-term leasing is about use, not equity.

Real Case Study: Short-Term Construction Lease

Business: Mid-size civil contractor in Alberta
Project: 8-month road resurfacing contract
Need: Two compactors + loader

What They Did:

• Entered 9-month lease on used equipment
• Monthly payment bundled maintenance and insurance
• Returned gear with no buyout obligations
• Reallocated equipment budget to new project after term

Result: Saved over $12K vs. buying and reselling the same assets. Mehmi facilitated approval in under 48 hours.

Common Short-Term Leasing Structures

• Monthly rolling lease: Renew month-to-month
• Fixed short-term lease: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
• Seasonal lease: Custom structure for winter or summer operations
• Lease-to-own option: Convert to long-term financing if you decide to keep it

Explore: Apply Now or Estimate Payments

Tips for Using Short-Term Leasing Wisely

✅ Know your exact usage period—avoid overpaying for unused months
✅ Choose equipment that’s easy to transport, install, and return
✅ Keep the equipment in good shape—damage may result in fees
✅ Ask about extensions in case projects run longer
✅ Confirm if insurance, service, or delivery is included

FAQs: Short-Term Equipment Leasing

Can I upgrade or switch equipment during the lease?
Yes—some programs allow swaps or add-ons, especially with maintenance leases. Ask upfront.

What if I want to keep the equipment at the end?
We can structure a lease-to-own option or convert the agreement into long-term financing.

Is it cheaper to rent?
For under 2–3 months, yes. But for anything beyond that, monthly leasing is usually more cost-effective than daily rental rates.

Does short-term leasing require a down payment?
In many cases, no. Mehmi works with lenders that offer $0 down on short-term leases.

Final Word: Flexibility for Real-World Needs

Not all equipment needs to stay on your books for years. When your business is project-based, seasonal, or testing something new, short-term leasing offers:

• Lower commitment
• Faster access
• Scalable options that move with your business

At Mehmi, we tailor leasing solutions to match your exact timeline—not the lender’s template.

Need seasonal or short-term equipment for a project?
Speak to a credit analyst or use our calculator to price short-term leasing options tailored to your business.

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