Can You Smoke in a Leased Car?

• Whether you are allowed to smoke or vape in your leased vehicle will vary from dealership to dealership.
• Some leasing companies may offer a smoking addendum, allowing smoking and vaping in and around a leased car.
• If you smoke or vape in or around your vehicle, you may be liable for related cleaning costs or repairs when you return the vehicle - even if you have a clause in your lease that allows such practices.

Typically, most car dealerships will ask you and any passengers to refrain from smoking in or around a leased vehicle. Of course, this can vary across leasing companies, so you should always pay close attention to the terms and conditions of your lease to find out what you can and cannot do with the vehicle.

When car dealers do prohibit smoking, it will often be because they are conscious of cigarette smoke embedding into the vehicle's upholstery, because the smell of smoke is particularly difficult to remove. Indeed, the longer a driver or their passengers smoke in a car, the more likely the scent will build up and become difficult to remove.

Additionally, cigarette smoke can discolor the interior of a leased or rental car over time - a problem that is not easily resolved through simple cleaning. Dealerships may also have concerns about the risk of smoke residue, ash stains, and cigarette burns, which could ultimately require extensive reupholstering. As the driver of a leased vehicle, you may be responsible for any smoke damage, and you may be obliged to pay for any extensive cleaning or repairs at the end of the lease.

In some instances, a leasing company may offer a smoking addendum, thereby allowing you and your passengers permission to smoke in your vehicle. It's important to remember that even with this clause, you may still be responsible for additional cleaning maintenance fees or repairs. Again, it is important to be fully versed in what you are signing up for when you take on a vehicle lease agreement.

Can you vape in a leased car? 

Similar to cigarette smoking, whether you can or cannot vape in or around your leased vehicle will depend on the agreement you sign with the dealership. Although some may consider vaping less risky to the interior of a car, as the lessee, you should still read the terms and conditions you agreed to before vaping inside your vehicle.

The most obvious difference between vaping and smoking is that there is less risk of accidental burn holes in the interior of a car. However, odor can still be an issue, and this is something you should be aware of even if you have a clause in your lease agreement that allows you to vape in or around your car. Again, you may be liable for additional fees if a dealership believes you have vaped in the car and the residual odor could otherwise impact the vehicle's resale value.

If, as a driver, you suspect you may have violated the terms of your lease agreement by smoking or vaping in the vehicle, there are several things you can do to navigate the situation.

Review your lease agreement

It is advisable to check your lease agreement to determine what it says about smoking and vaping. The lease agreement will likely outline what is and is not allowed, including any potential penalties for violating those terms. Understanding what you could be accountable for will help you decide what to do to resolve the situation.

Assess the car for damage

It is important to fully assess the car for any damage caused by smoking or vaping. You may find that it is a relatively minor odor issue, which can be resolved with air fresheners. However, if you find that there is a lingering cigarette smell or burn marks, you will need the help of a professional cleaner or repair center. Be mindful that you will have to pay for this assistance, but it will typically cost less than paying a penalty fee when you return the vehicle.

Contact the leasing company

During the term of your lease contract, the dealership still owns the vehicle, so it's always advisable to discuss any potential issues with them. If you need to have the vehicle cleaned or fixed, the leasing company can likely recommend a place to take the car for servicing.

If you plan to purchase the car at the end of your lease, you may find that smoking or vaping within the vehicle is less of a concern. After all, you will eventually own the car, so any damage will only affect you. 

It is important to be aware that damage from smoking or vaping - even if it is just residual odor - can lower a vehicle’s resale value by an average of $2,000 to $3,500. But of course, if it is you who has smoked or vaped in the car (or you have allowed passengers to do so), the dealership is unlikely to discount the cost of the vehicle because of the damage you have caused. Ultimately, you will bear the price for smoking or vaping in a car through excess wear fees or paying for a car that has lost significant market value.

When you lease a car, you’ll be bound by the terms of the contract. Here are a few other things you should be mindful of when driving a leased vehicle.

Try not to exceed your mileage limit

When you sign a lease, you’ll be agreeing to a maximum mileage for the term of the contract. Mileage limits can vary from dealership to dealership, so it's important to be aware of your mileage limit. Should you exceed your mileage limit, the leasing company will likely charge you a fee for going over.

Don’t neglect the vehicle’s maintenance

Although you don't own your leased vehicle, you are still responsible for maintaining it properly. This means taking the car to a mechanic for regular service, including oil changes and tire rotations. Failing to maintain a leased vehicle can lead to excess wear and tear, which, again, you could be responsible for when you return the vehicle at the end of your lease term.

Drivers who want peace of mind knowing their vehicle maintenance is covered may find a FINN vehicle subscription to be a great alternative to leasing. With FINN, you pay one monthly price for the car, insurance, and maintenance, meaning you just need to think about where you’re headed next.

Avoid making unauthorized modifications to the car

While personalizing your leased car may be tempting, making permanent or semi-permanent changes to the vehicle will violate the terms of your contract. This includes modifications to the car's structure, bodywork, engine, and other components. If you are still interested in making changes to the vehicle, even cosmetic changes, you should consult with the dealership to determine what is allowed.