As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

     (1) The term "adjusted capitalized cost" means the agreed-upon amount that serves as the basis for determining the periodic lease payment, computed by subtracting from the gross capitalized cost any capitalized cost reduction.

     (2) The term "gross capitalized cost" means the amount ascribed by the lessor to the vehicle including optional equipment, plus taxes, title, license fees, lease acquisition and administrative fees, insurance premiums, warranty charges, and any other product, service, or amount amortized in the lease. However, any definition of gross capitalized cost adopted by the federal reserve board to be used in the context of mandatory disclosure of the gross capitalized cost to lessees in consumer motor vehicle lease transactions supersedes the definition of gross capitalized cost in this subsection.

     (3) The term "capitalized cost reduction" means any payment made by cash, check, or similar means, any manufacturer rebate, and net trade in allowance granted by the lessor at the inception of the lease for the purpose of reducing the gross capitalized cost but does not include any periodic lease payments due at the inception of the lease or all of the periodic lease payments if they are paid at the inception of the lease.

     (4) The term "consumer lease" means a contract of lease or bailment for the use of personal property by a natural person for a period of time exceeding four months, and for a total contractual obligation not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars, primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, whether or not the lessee has the option to purchase or otherwise become the owner of the property at the expiration of the lease, except that such term shall not include any lease which meets the definition of a retail installment contract under RCW 63.14.010 or the definition of a lease-purchase agreement under chapter 63.19 RCW. The twenty-five thousand dollar total contractual obligation in this subsection shall not apply to consumer leases of motor vehicles. The inclusion in a lease of a provision whereby the lessee's or lessor's liability, at the end of the lease period or upon an earlier termination, is based on the value of the leased property at that time, shall not be deemed to make the transaction other than a consumer lease. The term "consumer lease" does not include a lease for agricultural, business, or commercial purposes, or to a government or governmental agency or instrumentality, or to an organization.

     (5) The term "lessee" means a natural person who leases or is offered a consumer lease.

     (6) The term "lessor" means a person who is regularly engaged in leasing, offering to lease, or arranging to lease under a consumer lease.

[1998 c 113 § 1; 1995 c 112 § 1; 1992 c 134 § 15; 1983 c 158 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Short title -- Severability -- 1992 c 134: See RCW 63.19.900 and 63.19.901.