Can the purchaser use the equipment purchased under a hire purchase agreement before they own it?

• Under a hire purchase agreement the buyer has the right to possess and use the items from the moment the first instalment is paid. The right to possess and use is different to the rights associated with ownership.
• Ownership does not transfer to the person hiring the equipment until all payments have been made. Until this point ownership is retained by the person receiving the payments.
• You can use our Phone a Lawyer service to get a preliminary consultation if you think you may need legal advice about a hire purchase agreement.