Feds Decide Which Fancy Leases Deserve Less Protection
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the dollar limit for consumer leases that don’t have to follow certain rules is going up from $71,900 to $73,400 because of inflation. This change affects people who lease things like cars or equipment and makes sure the rules keep up with rising prices. It’s a simple update that helps protect consumers and businesses by keeping the leasing rules fair and clear.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemption Threshold Raised to $73,400
The dollar threshold for exempt consumer leases increases from $71,900 to $73,400 effective January 1, 2026. If the total contractual obligation of a consumer lease exceeds $73,400 at consummation, that lease is exempt from the requirements of Regulation M during the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Annual CPI‑W Indexing and $100 Rounding Rule
The exemption threshold is adjusted each January 1 by the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) that was in effect on the preceding June 1. Any increase is rounded to the nearest $100 (for example, a $950 calculated increase is rounded to $1,000; a $949 increase is rounded to $900).
Exemption Status Locked at Consummation
If a consumer lease is exempt from Regulation M because its total contractual obligation exceeded the threshold at the time of consummation, that lease remains exempt even if the threshold later increases. The rule explicitly states exemption status is determined at consummation and is not undone by subsequent threshold changes.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-22814 — Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)
Starting January 1, 2026, the dollar limit for certain consumer credit deals that don’t have to follow all Truth in Lending rules goes up from $71,900 to $73,400. This change affects lenders and borrowers by adjusting for inflation, making it easier for some loans and leases to skip extra paperwork. It’s a simple update that keeps things fair and clear as prices rise.
2025-22875 — Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans Exemption Threshold
Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum loan amount that needs a special appraisal for higher-priced mortgage loans goes up from $33,500 to $34,200. This change affects lenders and borrowers by slightly raising the exemption threshold, meaning some smaller loans won’t need extra appraisals anymore. It’s all based on inflation adjustments to keep things fair and up to date!
2026-08494 — Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)
Starting June 30, 2026, new rules will help banks and lenders better track loans to small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. These changes make it easier for lenders to follow the rules, improve the quality of loan data, and support fair lending. Lenders must fully comply by January 1, 2028, so small businesses get a fair shot at credit.
2026-07804 — Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is updating rules to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at credit without being unfairly discouraged or discriminated against. These changes clarify how lenders should handle special credit programs and prevent hidden biases. The new rules kick in on July 21, 2026, helping protect your rights and keep lending fair and square.
2025-21626 — Regulatory Capital Rule: Modifications to the Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio Standards for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies and Their Subsidiary Depository Institutions; Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity and Long-Term Debt Requirements for U.S. Global Systemically Important Bank Holding Companies
Big U.S. banks that are super important to the economy are getting new rules to keep them safer and stronger. These changes tweak how much money they must keep on hand and how they handle long-term debt, helping prevent financial trouble. The new rules kick in soon and could affect how these banks manage billions in assets and debt.
2025-19864 — Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is updating rules to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at credit, no matter who they are. These changes clarify how lenders should avoid unfair treatment and support special credit programs. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until December 15, 2025, to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22807 — Fees for Reviews of the Rule Enforcement Programs of Designated Contract Markets and Registered Futures Associations
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is charging fees to certain trading markets and futures groups to cover the costs of checking their rule enforcement programs. These fees are based on costs from the past three years and must be paid by February 13, 2026. If you’re part of a designated contract market or the National Futures Association, get ready to pay up on time!
Next: 2025-22814 — Truth in Lending (Regulation Z)
Starting January 1, 2026, the dollar limit for certain consumer credit deals that don’t have to follow all Truth in Lending rules goes up from $71,900 to $73,400. This change affects lenders and borrowers by adjusting for inflation, making it easier for some loans and leases to skip extra paperwork. It’s a simple update that keeps things fair and clear as prices rise.