What Is Initial Rental? How It Affects Monthly Cost

Updated October 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes

When leasing a car, you’ll often see terms like “3+35” or “9+47”. The first number refers to your initial rental. It’s not a deposit — it’s an advance rental that affects the monthly cost but not the total cost of the lease. Here’s how to choose the right structure for your budget.

Initial Rental vs Deposit: Key Difference

• Initial rental: An advance on your monthly payments. Part of the full contract cost. Not refundable.
• Deposit (if buying): Reduces the finance balance and can create equity.

Leasing is usage only — no ownership. Learn more: Car Leasing Explained.

What Do Numbers Like 1+, 3+, 6+, 9+ Mean?

The “+” structure shows how many months’ rental you pay upfront, and how many follow.

Example: 6+35
6 × monthly rental upfront → followed by 35 monthly rentals.

The higher the initial rental, the lower the monthly — but the total contract cost is usually very similar.

Which Structure Should You Choose?

Low Upfront Option (e.g., 1+)

• ✔ Keeps cash in your pocket
• ✔ Predictable budgeting from month one
• • Higher monthly rentals

Medium Upfront (e.g., 3+ or 6+)

• ✔ Balanced approach — popular for most drivers
• ✔ Slightly lower monthly rentals
• • Requires more cash upfront

High Upfront (e.g., 9+ or 12+)

• ✔ Lowest monthly cost
• • Larger upfront outlay
• • No financial benefit overall — total cost is similar

Tip: Only choose a higher initial rental if the upfront amount is comfortable for you.

How It Works in Practice

Let’s assume a lease costing £360 per month:

• 1+35: £360 upfront, then £360 per month
• 6+35: £2,160 upfront, then £300 per month (illustrative)

Same total contract value — different cashflows.

What About Business Leasing?

Business Contract Hire (BCH) follows the same structure. Companies often choose a balanced initial rental to match their budgeting and VAT reclaim policy.

Learn more: Business Leasing Explained

Common Myths

• “Higher initial rental makes it cheaper overall” — No. It only shifts more of the payments upfront.
• “It’s a deposit I get back” — No. Initial rental is part of the rental cost.

Best Practice Tips

• ✔ Choose the payment profile that suits your cashflow
• ✔ Keep an emergency buffer — don’t overstretch
• ✔ Consider bundling maintenance for predictable budgeting

Looking for options? Special Offers · In-Stock Cars

Useful Pages

• Car Leasing Explained
• FAQ
• Search by Manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is initial rental refundable?

No. It is part of the overall lease payments.

Can I pay more upfront to lower my monthly?

Yes, but your total contract cost usually remains similar.

Is initial rental the same as deposit?

No — deposits reduce finance balance when buying; initial rentals are advance rentals for usage.

Conclusion

Your initial rental doesn’t change the overall cost significantly — it only changes when you pay. Pick the structure that matches your cashflow and budget confidence.

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