A Brief Introduction About the Vehicle Rental Agreement
The vehicle rental agreement lays out the terms and conditions binding the owner of a vehicle (lessor) and the person who is taking the lease (lesse). This agreement outlines the obligations of the parties and penalties for a breach of contractual terms.
The lessor gives their vehicle on rent to the lessee, who is responsible for paying the agreed rental amount on agreed terms for the duration of the lease. Once the contract ends, the lessee returns the vehicle to the lessor.
Who Takes the Vehicle Rental Agreement?
This rental agreement is signed between the lessor (company or individual that leases the car to the lessee) and the lessee (who gets the car on rent for a specific period). The lessor can be an individual or a vehicle agency. Important terms in the contract cover rental payments, liabilities of each party, termination of the lease, and penalties for breach of contract. After drafting the agreement, the lesse bears responsibility for the vehicle.
Purpose of the Vehicle Rental Agreement
Drafting a vehicle agreement between two parties ensures legally binding contractual obligations. The contract should include a description of the vehicle like the make, model, and year of manufacture. There are certain restrictions that the vehicle owner may want to impose on the lessee. For example, the car owner may ask the lessee not to sublease the vehicle to a third party or drive it without a license. The commercial vehicle rental agreement should mention all such conditions. Should there be any violation of the terms amounts to a breach of contract and allows the lessor to rescind the contract
Contents of the Vehicle Rental Agreement
The contents of the agreement are as follows:
- Acknowledgment Clause: This clause includes an acknowledgment of the condition of the leased vehicle.
- Vehicle Details: This section has the details and necessary information about the vehicle, such as the model, the make, manufacturing year, VIN, color, and number plate.
- Rental Terms: These terms start right with the vehicle pick-up hour and last until the vehicle is delivered to its owner. The rental clause specifies the start date and end date of the rental contract. The mutual consent of both parties can extend the vehicle use period.
- Scope of Use: This section highlights the conditions the lessee must abide by in using the vehicle. For example, the lessee should not let any third party run or hire the car.
- Equipment Operation: It specifies that the vehicle(s) will be operated by a competent licensed driver per relevant laws and regulations. The lessee should also pay all the fines levied due to improper possession and use of the vehicle. He must also indemnify the lessor for any damages caused.
- Mileage: The distance which the contract covers and the charges for extra distance traveled.
- Rental Fees: This section describes the total rental payment the renter is supposed to pay by the end of the contract period. It includes deposits, fuel charges, rents, additional usage charges, and incidental damages.
- Insurance and Miscellaneous: The renter must purchase vehicle insurance to cover any damages to the vehicle. Sometimes this insurance is added to the terms, and other times, the lessee should buy it. This section specifies the liability of the renter for the vehicle beyond the cover of the insurance.
- Notification: The Lessee is required to notify the lessor of any accident of damages for which insurance claim should be made.
How to Draft the Vehicle Rental Agreement?
Checking a motor vehicle rental agreement template might help to get an insight into the clauses that should be included in the agreement. The following details are mandatory in the contract:
- Vehicle Identification Details: The name, year, make, and model of the vehicle are some crucial elements that the agreement must cover.
- Renter’s Liability: Renter is liable for the vehicle until the contract ends. They must take care of the car and its maintenance. This section should mention the liability terms.
- Contract Terms: Like the other rental agreement contract, the motor rental agreement describes the basic rules that each party has to follow.
The lessor should sign the agreement with the lessee before handing the keys over. Since the terms are binding, dispute resolution becomes easy with a signed agreement. The contract can include additional clauses as both parties may require
Benefits & Drawbacks of the Vehicle Rental Agreement
Pros
- Legal Contract: When you rent a car after signing this agreement, you are getting into a legal contract with the lessee. Each term mentioned in the contract binds both parties.
- Smooth Experience: The contract governs the operation and intent of the use of the vehicle. This ensures that the lessor retains rights over the car.
Cons
- Time-consuming: Drafting a contract and hiring attorneys can be a time-consuming job. The motor rental agreement might not be required if the parties know each other.
[ Also Read: Car Lease Agreement ]
What Happens in Case of Violation?
In the case of a breach by any party(1), the agreement stands terminated, and the parties will be responsible for compensating for the violation. The relationship between the lessor and lessee decides the future course of action after a breach of contract. While breach like non-payment of rent and use against the contractual terms will end in termination, lesser offenses could just be fined.
The vehicle owner should read the vehicle rental agreement sample and draft an agreement to protect his rights. The legal agreement will act as evidence for both parties in a court of law.