--- alternate_lang: de category: Library date_added: '2026-04-05T19:59:37.787341+00:00' date_modified: '2026-04-05T19:59:37.787354+00:00' description: Leasing is basically comparable to renting. It is therefore a temporary transfer of use in return for payment, whereby the legal and, in principle, also the ... keywords: [] lang: en title: Leasing type: article url: http://leasing-pilot.com/en/know-how/library/leasing/ --- 1. [Know How](/en/know-how/) 2. [Library](/en/know-how/library/) 3. Leasing # Leasing Leasing is basically comparable to renting. It is therefore a temporary transfer of use in return for payment, whereby the legal and, in principle, also the ... **Leasing** is basically comparable to renting. It is therefore a temporary transfer of use in return for payment, whereby the legal and, in principle, also the economic ownership remains with the leasing company. ***LeasingPilot note*** *Please note: In principle, the lessee does not acquire ownership of the leased asset at the end of the term, even if he has already fully amortised the leasing company's acquisition. For ownership to be transferred, a separate legal step must be taken, e.g. by right of tender or purchase option.* Basically, a distinction must be made between so-called operating leasing, which is comparable to a rental, and finance leasing, in which the financing function is in the foreground (alternative loan-financed purchase or hire-purchase). In the case of operating leases, the leased asset is only leased for a short period, measured against its normal useful life, or the lessee has the option of terminating the lease at short notice; the investment risk (in particular the risk of subsequent use or realisation) remains with the lessor. In contrast, the finance lease is longer-term in terms of the ordinary useful life and does not provide for any termination option during a fixed basic lease term. In the case of a finance lease, the lessee also generally has the option of purchasing the leased asset and retaining ownership at the end of the agreed leasing period, but not in the case of an operating lease. ***LeasingPilot recommendation** Please clarify in advance whether the pure use of the asset is of primary importance to you and you would like to return the asset at the end of the term (e.g. car) or whether you would like to continue using the asset or actually prefer to purchase it (e.g. machine tool). The right choice of contract type is crucial - LeasingPilot will be happy to advise you on the options, e.g. agreeing a contract type with a purchase option.* ### More in this category [Financing of Software Licenses](/en/know-how/library/financing-of-software-licenses/) [Hire purchase](/en/know-how/library/hire-purchase/) [Leasing - advantages](/en/know-how/library/leasing-advantages/) [Tax differences Leasing vs. hire purchase](/en/know-how/library/tax-differences-leasing-vs-hire-purchase/) [Sale & lease back](/en/know-how/library/sale-lease-back/) [Input tax/VAT](/en/know-how/library/input-taxvat/) [Utilisation rate](/en/know-how/library/utilisation-rate/) [Does equipment leasing offer tax advantages?](/en/know-how/library/does-equipment-leasing-offer-tax-advantages/) [How do leasing and hire-purchase agreements fit in with financial covenants?](/en/know-how/library/how-do-leasing-and-hire-purchase-agreements-fit-in-with-financial-covenants/) [Maintenance costs Part of the leasing rate within the meaning of Sec. 8 No. 1 German Trade Tax Act (GewStG)](/en/know-how/library/maintenance-costs-part-of-the-leasing-rate-within-the-meaning-of-sec-8-no-1-german-trade-tax-act-gewstg/) [Disclaimer](/en/know-how/library/disclaimer/)