The threshold for federal consumer lease protections just went up by $1,500

The federal government has increased the dollar amount for leases that are covered by consumer protection laws. This means more expensive leases, up to $73,400, will now have the same protections as cheaper ones.

Every year, the government adjusts the line between a protected consumer lease and an unprotected commercial one. This small, automatic change means that a slightly larger pool of car leases, equipment rentals, and other consumer leases will now fall under federal oversight. It's a quiet expansion of consumer protection, keeping pace with inflation.