What is the credit card test for lease returns?

The credit card test is an industry standard: if a scratch, dent, or other damage can be covered by a standard credit card (approximately 2 inches), it's generally considered normal wear and tear, not chargeable damage.

Can I dispute lease-end charges after I've returned the car?

Yes. You have the right to dispute charges and request an independent appraisal under Federal Regulation M. There's no deadline for disputing, though it's best to act promptly after receiving the final bill.

What is Federal Regulation M?

Regulation M (12 CFR 1013) implements the Consumer Leasing Act and requires lessors to use "reasonable" wear standards. It also gives you the right to an independent appraisal whose determination is final and binding.

What counts as normal wear and tear?

Each manufacturer publishes wear guides defining acceptable wear. Generally, minor scratches under 2 inches, small dents that don't break paint, light interior wear, and tire tread above minimum are considered normal wear.

Lease End Defender

Instant Check

Targeted Defense

Reviewed by

Shield Apps Legal Research Team

Statutory Compliance Analysts

Charged for 'Excess Wear' That Isn't? Fight Back.
We'll Dismantle It Line by Line.

Most lease return charges fail the Credit Card Test or exceed manufacturer standards. Upload your inspection report — we build your dispute.

Charge Extraction → HUD / IRS useful-life lookup

Evidence Mapping → One photo, one deduction

Ready-to-Send Letter → PDF you own forever

Analyze for Disputes

AES-256 · SOC 2

Reg M · §1667b

Stripe Secure

Upload Inspection Report

Upload the inspection or condition report from your lease return showing charges

AI Extracts Charges

Each line item identified

Map Your Evidence

Photo per charge

Deploy Defense

Signed, sealed, delivered

Regulatory Authority

Your Landlord's Charges Meet Federal Depreciation Law

SURFACES

Paint → 3 Years

HUD Handbook 4350.1 defines useful life. After 3 years, repainting is the landlord's cost.

TEXTILE

Carpet → 5 Years

HUD MAP Guide 5C. Normal traffic wear is expected, not tenant damage.

APPLIANCES

Units → 10-15 Years

IRS Publication 527. Charging for normal wear on aged appliances is prohibited.

$847

Avg. Recovery

89%

Success Rate

2.4k+

Disputes Filed

Recent Wins

"Landlord tried charging $1,200 for carpet. Got back $890 after sending this letter."

— Austin, TX · Recovered $890

"The HUD citations shut down their whole argument. Full refund in 8 days."

— Seattle, WA · Recovered $650

"Used to just eat the deductions. This letter pays for itself 50x over."

— Denver, CO · Recovered $420

Trusted by tenants nationwide

4.8/5