Leased Vehicles Under Louisiana Lemon Law
How Louisiana Lemon Law (§ 51:1941) applies to leased vehicles — lessees protected; refund includes lease payments + sales tax + residual.
Leased vehicles are covered by Louisiana’s Lemon Law (§ 51:1941) on the same terms as purchased vehicles. The lessee — not the lessor — is the protected “consumer.”
Lease coverage
- Lessee is the protected consumer.
- Lessor (bank / finance company) has no Lemon Law standing.
- Manufacturer is the Lemon Law defendant.
What’s recoverable in a leased-vehicle refund
§ 51:1944 refund covers:
- All lease payments made to date.
- Sales tax paid on lease payments.
- Down payment / capitalized cost reduction.
- Acquisition fee.
- Disposition fee (waived).
- Excess mileage / wear charges (waived).
- Incidental damages.
Plus the lease is terminated.
Redhibition for leased vehicles
Redhibition under La. Civ. Code art. 2520 can apply to leased vehicles where there’s a “sale” component (e.g., capitalized cost reduction). Best to consult Louisiana counsel on lease + Redhibition interaction.
LUTPA application
LUTPA applies to lease deceptive practices.
Bottom line
Leased vehicles get the same Lemon Law protection under § 51:1941.
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