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Guide

How to get out of a photocopier lease

You can usually leave a copier lease, but timing and paperwork decide what it costs. Here's how to do it, step by step.

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In short

Find your end date and notice window, and give written notice in time. If you need to leave earlier, ask the finance company for a settlement figure in writing. Deal with the service agreement separately: ending the lease doesn't always end it.

Step by step

Six steps to end a copier lease

  1. Find both agreements

    Most leased copiers come with two documents: the lease, which is a finance agreement, and a service agreement with the dealer for toner and repairs. The lease is often with a finance company, not the dealer who sold you the machine.

  2. Find the end date and notice window

    Look for the minimum term, the start date and how much written notice you must give. Many leases renew automatically if notice isn't given in time, so the notice window matters more than the end date.

  3. Give notice in writing

    Send notice to the finance company, and to the dealer for the service agreement, in the way your agreement asks for. Keep a copy and ask them to confirm receipt.

  4. Leaving early? Ask for a settlement figure

    Ask the finance company for the settlement figure in writing. It is usually based on the payments left. Check whether the service agreement has its own minimum charges too.

  5. Arrange the return

    Ask who collects the machine, when, and whether there's a fee. Copiers can store copies of scanned documents, so ask for the stored data to be wiped and get that confirmed in writing.

  6. Check any upgrade offer carefully

    Some suppliers offer to pay off your old lease if you sign a new one. Often the settlement is added to the new lease, so compare the total you would pay, not just the monthly figure.

This is general information, not legal advice. Your own agreement decides what applies to you. If you are in a dispute, speak to a solicitor.

Watch out for

Common traps when ending a copier lease

  • Missing the notice window, so the lease rolls on for another period
  • Ending the lease but not the service agreement, so the charges carry on
  • Promises made in person that aren't in the written agreement
  • "Free upgrade" offers that add the old settlement to a new, longer lease
  • Minimum monthly charges you pay even if you print less

Free agreement check

Not sure where you stand? We'll read it for you.

Send us your lease, service agreement or latest copier bill. We'll tell you your end date, your notice window and what you really pay per page. Free, and no obligation.

If switching won't save you money, we'll tell you.After your lease, renting from us means no finance agreement and no long fixed contract.

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Schools

Ending a copier lease at a school

Schools often find the lease and the service agreement end on different dates, and the paperwork is with someone who has since moved on. Start with the latest copier invoice: it usually names the finance company and the agreement number.

We check school copier agreements for free. Free copier contract check for schools.

Ending a copier lease: questions

Can I cancel a photocopier lease early?

Usually not for free. Most leases run for a fixed term, and ending early means paying a settlement figure. Ask the finance company for it in writing.

How much does it cost to end a copier lease early?

It depends on your agreement. The settlement figure is usually based on the payments left, and the finance company calculates it. The service agreement may have its own charges.

What if I missed the notice window?

Many leases continue automatically if notice isn't given in time. Check the renewal terms in your agreement, then ask the finance company what term now applies and when you can next give notice.

Can a new supplier pay off my old lease?

Some do, by adding the settlement to a new lease. Check the new monthly payment and term carefully, because you may end up paying for the old machine as well as the new one.

Will you check my agreement for free?

Yes. Send us your lease, service agreement or latest bill. We'll tell you your end date, your notice window and what you really pay per page. Free, and no obligation.

Contact

Get your agreement checked free

Tell us who you are and we'll call you back. You can also email your agreement to info@solveprint.co.uk.

07743 730963 info@solveprint.co.uk