§3952 Protection Under Installment Contracts for Purchase or Lease

Summary

Stops a seller or lessor from ending a servicemember’s purchase or lease, or taking back the property, for a contract breach that happened before or during the person’s military service unless a court says it’s OK. It only applies if the servicemember paid a deposit or an installment before entering service. It covers buying or leasing property, including vehicles. If someone knowingly takes the property in violation of this rule, they can be fined under Title 18 of the U.S. Code or jailed for up to one year, or both. In court, the judge can order repayment of some or all past payments before returning the property. The judge can pause the case, and must pause it if the servicemember asks and military service seriously affects their ability to meet the contract. The judge can also make any fair ruling to protect both sides.