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The National Law Review

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States Secure $662 Million in Lease Payment Cancellations

On October 21, 2026, West Virginia joined 16 other state attorneys general in a nearly $664 million settlement with a lease-to-own provider, resolving allegations involving its consumer leases. The states investigated alleged violations of state consumer protection and rental purchase laws, including West Virginia’s Consumer Goods Rental Protection Act. The provider offered lease-to-own agreements through merchant partners. Under the settlement, the states alleged that its practices: Misrepresented lease costs and terms. Some consumers allegedly believed they could pay off a lease within 100 days or less, but instead entered longer agreements that cost more.The states also alleged that advertising slogans could obscure the lease’s true cost. Limited consumers’ access to contract information. The states alleged that consumers could not review the full terms before signing and that payment terms were confusing. Made misleading credit-score claims. The states alleged that consumers were told that applying for a lease or making timely payments could increase their credit scores. Created difficulties for consumers seeking to return products or end leases. The states investigated potential problems with the provider’s communications, return process, lease termination procedures, and debt collection practices. The settlement requires changes to advertising and disclosures, protections for repairs and replacements, clear notice

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