New Jersey § 12a:1-203
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 12a:1-203, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12a:1-203.
a. Whether a transaction in the form of a lease creates a lease or security interest
is determined by the facts of each case. b. A transaction in the form of a lease creates a security interest if the consideration
that the lessee is to pay the lessor for the right to possession and use of the goods
is an obligation for the term of the lease and is not subject to termination by the
lessee, and: (1) the original term of the lease is equal to or greater than the remaining economic
life of the goods; (2) the lessee is bound to renew the lease for the remaining economic life of the
goods or is bound to become the owner of the goods; (3) the lessee has an option to renew the lease for the remaining economic life of
the goods for no additional consideration or for nominal additional consideration
upon compliance with the lease agreement; or (4) the lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for no additional consideration
or for nominal additional consideration upon compliance with the lease agreement. c. A transaction in the form of a lease does not create a security interest merely
because: (1) the present value of the consideration the lessee is obligated to pay the lessor
for the right to possession and use of the goods is substantially equal to or is greater
than the fair market value of the goods at the time the lease is entered into; (2) the lessee assumes risk of loss of the goods; (3) the lessee agrees to pay, with respect to the goods, taxes, insurance, filing,
recording, or registration fees, or service or maintenance costs; (4) the lessee has an option to renew the lease or to become the owner of the goods; (5) the lessee has an option to renew the lease for a fixed rent that is equal to
or greater than the reasonably predictable fair market rent for the use of the goods
for the term of the renewal at the time the option is to be performed; or (6) the lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for a fixed price that
is equal to or greater than the reasonably predictable fair market value of the goods
at the time the option is to be performed. d. Additional consideration is nominal if it is less than the lessee's reasonably
predictable cost of performing under the lease agreement if the option is not exercised. Additional consideration is not nominal if: (1) when the option to renew the lease is granted to the lessee, the rent is stated
to be the fair market rent for the use of the goods for the term of the renewal determined
at the time the option is to be performed; or (2) when the option to become the owner of the goods is granted to the lessee, the
price is stated to be the fair market value of the goods determined at the time the
option is to be performed. e. The “remaining economic life of the goods” and “reasonably predictable” fair market
rent, fair market value, or cost of performing under the lease agreement shall be
determined with reference to the facts and circumstances at the time the transaction
is entered into.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 12a:1-203
What does New Jersey Statutes § 12a:1-203 cover?
Section 12a:1-203 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 12a:1-203?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 12a:1-203" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 12a:1-203 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.