How Does LeaseBusters Work?

If you’re looking to get out of your lease—or take one over—LeaseBusters is likely one of the first names you’ll come across. As Canada’s largest lease takeover marketplace, it connects people who want to exit their lease with drivers looking for a short-term commitment, often with lower monthly payments.

But how exactly does the process work? What does it cost? And is it the best option for your situation?

In this guide, we’ll break down how LeaseBusters works for both sellers and buyers, how much you can expect to pay in fees, how long the process takes, and what fine print you should know before diving in.

How LeaseBusters Works (as a Seller)

LeaseBusters offers a streamlined way to exit your lease by matching you with someone willing to take it over. It’s ideal for drivers who want to avoid lease-end penalties, excess mileage charges, or the hassle of early termination with a dealership.

Step-by-Step Process for Sellers

1. Start with a Free Evaluation

You’ll enter your vehicle and lease details on LeaseBusters.com. A Leasing Specialist will call you within one business day to assess your lease and recommend a pricing and promotion strategy. There’s no fee at this stage.

2. Pay a One-Time Listing Fee

If your lease qualifies, you’ll pay a one-time fee of $299–$399 + tax to list it. The ad runs until the lease is officially transferred—no expiry, and no recurring charges.

3. Lease Promotion Begins

Your listing is published on LeaseBusters.com and syndicated across automotive partner sites, LeaseBusters’ social media, and weekly email campaigns to boost visibility.

4. A Buyer Applies

When an interested buyer comes forward, they’ll submit a credit application to your leasing company. LeaseBusters provides a transfer checklist to guide you both through the process.

5. Complete the Lease Transfer

Once the buyer is approved, the leasing company issues the official transfer paperwork. Both parties sign off, and the new lessee takes over your remaining payments.

How Long Does It Take?

LeaseBusters suggests that attractive, fairly priced leases (especially for in-demand models like pickup trucks or compact SUVs) typically transfer in 30 to 60 days. However, high-payment leases or less popular vehicles can sit for much longer, and may require cash incentives to attract interest. If you’re trying to exit a lease on a luxury car or older model with limited demand, be prepared for a potentially slower process.

Typical Seller Costs

While LeaseBusters provides helpful exposure and leasing guidance, it’s not a free service. Below is a breakdown of the common costs sellers should expect:

Reminder: The transfer fee is not paid to LeaseBusters; it goes directly to your leasing company. LeaseBusters’ primary fee is the flat listing charge.

How LeaseBusters Works (as a Buyer)

If you’re a shopper looking to take over someone else’s lease, LeaseBusters connects you with thousands of active listings. Here’s what the process looks like:

Step-by-Step Process for Buyers

1. Browse or Set Alerts

Use filters to narrow down by make, body style, monthly payment, location, and more. You can also set up “Vehicle Alerts” to get notified when new listings match your preferences.

2. Contact the Seller & Inspect the Vehicle

Reach out to the seller, arrange a test drive, and consider booking a third-party or dealership inspection. This is especially important to assess excess wear or cosmetic damage.

3. Apply for Credit with the Leasing Company

You’ll submit a credit application to the original leasing company for approval. Most approvals happen in 3–7 business days.

4. Pay the Transfer Fee & Sign the Agreement

Once approved, both parties complete the lease assumption paperwork, insurance is swapped, and you take over the remaining payments.

(Optional) Use LeaseBusters’ “Front-of-Line” Service
For an extra (quoted) fee, LeaseBusters staff will proactively search listings on your behalf and notify you of qualified matches.

Typical Buyer Costs

Things to Watch For

• Wear & Tear Liability: As the new lessee, you’re responsible for any excess wear fees at lease-end — even if the previous driver caused them. Get an inspection or written agreement up front.
• Effective Payments: LeaseBusters will sometimes display an “effective monthly payment” that includes any cash incentives offered by the seller, giving a more accurate picture of true cost.

How Big Is the LeaseBusters Marketplace?

LeaseBusters is the largest dedicated lease takeover platform in Canada, with thousands of active listings at any given time. This gives both sellers and buyers a strong starting point, especially for mainstream models.

Marketplace Highlights:

• National Reach: Listings are available across all provinces, covering urban hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, as well as smaller cities and towns.
• Broad Vehicle Selection: You’ll find most major brands, from Toyota and Honda to Audi and BMW, with vehicles ranging from compact cars to pickup trucks and electric vehicles.
• Flexible Filters: Shoppers can easily narrow down their options by:
  
  • Monthly payment
  • Term remaining
  • Vehicle body style
  • Cash incentives
  • Distance from their location

While popular models (like Honda Civics or Ford F-150s) tend to move quickly, slower-moving listings — especially luxury vehicles with high payments — may require larger incentives or more time to find a buyer. LeaseBusters suggests a 30–60 day average for in-demand models, but less competitive listings may sit for longer.

Clutch Offers a Simpler Way Out of Your Lease

Looking for LeaseBusters alternatives? Instead of waiting weeks for a buyer and paying out of pocket for transfer fees or incentives, Clutch offers a faster, more convenient option. We’ll buy out your lease directly, manage all the paperwork, and you won’t need to pay the 13% lease buyout tax in Ontario. Just get an instant online offer, send us your lease info, and get paid — all without the back-and-forth of a takeover listing.

Get an offer