What defines a financial lease?

In understanding financial leases, it's important to recognize that they are primarily structured to transfer the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee rather than the lessor. A financial lease typically involves long-term arrangements where the lessee effectively has control over the asset for most of its useful life, which aligns with the description of retaining the asset with the lessor under certain conditions.

While the financial lease may not result in outright ownership of the asset during the term, it does lead to ownership being treated as though it has been transferred because the lessee is responsible for maintaining the asset and bears the residual value risk. This distinguishes financial leases from operational leases, where leasing companies retain ownership and the lessee uses the asset for a shorter term without taking on significant risks related to ownership.

Choices highlighting minimal costs or short-term rentals do not capture the essence of what defines a financial lease, as they overlook how ownership benefits and responsibilities are structured within the agreement.