This updated guide explains practical steps to evaluate computer leasing today. It recommends comparing total costs, insisting on written contracts and SLAs, bundling services when sensible, planning refresh cycles (commonly 3-5 years), ensuring certified data erasure at lease end, and consulting finance about accounting and tax treatment under ASC 842/IFRS 16.

Why lease a computer?

Leasing still makes sense for many small and medium businesses that prefer predictable costs, regular upgrades, and outsourced maintenance. In recent years the market has shifted toward subscription models such as Device-as-a-Service (DaaS), which bundle hardware, software, security, and lifecycle services into one monthly payment.

1. Compare total cost, not just monthly price

Look beyond the monthly payment. Compare the full cost of the lease, any setup fees, insurance, and end-of-term charges to the purchase price and your expected resale value. Include support and refresh costs when you calculate value.

2. Read the contract carefully

Never rely on verbal assurances. Ask for a clear, itemized agreement that covers term length, early-termination penalties, transferability, and what happens at lease end. Verify who pays for accidental damage and loss.

3. Insist on a service-level agreement (SLA)

If you lease to avoid in-house IT work, require an SLA that defines response times, onsite visits, remote support, and routine maintenance. Confirm whether software patching, antivirus management, and device provisioning are included.

4. Bundle services when it saves money

Consolidating leasing, support, and asset management with one vendor can simplify billing and reduce friction. Many providers offer bundled packages that include deployment, ongoing management, and secure disposal (IT asset disposition) at a lower combined cost.

5. Plan for upgrades and refresh cycles

Ask about upgrade options and typical refresh cycles. Most business leasing programs expect a 3-5 year refresh, but terms vary. Make sure the agreement describes hardware refreshes, software upgrades, and data migration support.

6. Protect data and comply with disposal rules

Confirm how the lessor handles data wiping and device disposal. Require documented, certified data erasure or physical destruction when devices are returned, and ask for certificates of destruction if you handle sensitive information.

7. Check accounting and tax treatment

Leases can affect your balance sheet and tax reporting. Under modern accounting standards (ASC 842 and IFRS 16) many leases appear on the balance sheet. Tax treatment and available deductions vary by jurisdiction - talk to your accountant to understand how a lease will affect your financials.

Final checklist

  • Compare total cost and bundled services
  • Get a written SLA and detailed contract
  • Confirm refresh cadence and end-of-lease procedures
  • Verify data-wiping and ITAD policies
  • Consult finance about accounting and tax impact
Leasing can simplify IT operations and keep devices current, but the value depends on contract details and the services bundled with the hardware.
  1. Confirm current tax incentives or deductions affecting computer leases in your jurisdiction (e.g., Section 179 rules in the U.S.). [[CHECK]]

FAQs about Computer Leasing

Is leasing cheaper than buying?
Not always. Leasing spreads costs and often includes services, but the total lease expense can exceed a purchase. Compare the full cost of ownership, including support, refreshes, and end-of-term charges.
What is Device-as-a-Service (DaaS)?
DaaS is a subscription model that bundles hardware, software licensing, security, support, and lifecycle services into a single monthly fee to simplify IT operations.
What should I check in the lease contract?
Get itemized terms for monthly fees, term length, early-termination penalties, support levels, who pays for damage or loss, upgrade options, and end-of-lease procedures.
How are returned devices handled?
Require certified data erasure or physical destruction and ask for documentation. Confirm the lessors IT asset disposition (ITAD) process to ensure compliance with data-protection rules.
Will leasing affect my financial statements?
Possibly. Modern accounting standards (ASC 842 / IFRS 16) often require leases to be reported on the balance sheet. Check with your accountant to understand the tax and reporting impact.

News about Computer Leasing

Unox launches equipment leasing for the public sector - The Caterer [Visit Site | Read More]

Ofcom bans leasing of Global Titles to crackdown on spoofing - Computer Weekly [Visit Site | Read More]

Paying for it: 4 ways to reduce equipment lease expenditures - Supply Chain Management Review [Visit Site | Read More]

China Development Bank Financial Leasing buys information technology computer equipment - MarketScreener [Visit Site | Read More]

Leasecom launches ABS with leasing to be next big European asset class - GlobalCapital [Visit Site | Read More]

Key trends shaping digitization for the equipment lease finance industry in 2025 - Wolters Kluwer [Visit Site | Read More]