Equipment like modems and cable boxes provided by Comcast belongs to Comcast and must be returned when you cancel service; if you do not return it on time, you will be charged a fee, and you are responsible for any damage.
This analysis describes what Comcast's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Equipment non-return fees can be substantial (often $100-$300 per device), and the subscriber is financially liable for damage to or loss of Comcast-owned equipment during the service period, creating an ongoing financial obligation that persists after cancellation.
Interpretive note: Specific fee amounts are referenced to a rate card or separate schedule that is not reproduced in the agreement text; actual non-return fee amounts may vary by equipment type and market.
Subscribers who cancel service and fail to return Comcast equipment promptly will be charged equipment non-return fees, which can be significant; subscribers also bear financial liability for damage to or loss of Comcast-owned equipment while it is in their home.
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"Any equipment provided by Comcast remains the property of Comcast and must be returned to Comcast upon termination of Service. If you fail to return equipment within the required timeframe, you will be charged an equipment non-return fee as set forth in your service agreement or applicable rate card. You are responsible for damage to or loss of Comcast equipment while it is in your possession.— Excerpt from Comcast's Comcast Terms of Service
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Equipment return and fee provisions interact with state consumer protection statutes governing disclosure of fees in residential service agreements. The FTC Act's prohibition on deceptive practices applies to the adequacy of disclosure of equipment fees at the point of sale and in service agreements. Some state public utilities commissions have addressed equipment return practices in residential cable and broadband agreements. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. Equipment non-return fees are standard in the industry, but the specific fee amounts are typically set by reference to a separate rate card rather than disclosed in the agreement itself, which creates transparency concerns. The subscriber's liability for damage or loss creates a continuing financial exposure that may not be clearly quantified at the time of subscription. JURISDICTION FLAGS: California and other states with strong consumer protection laws may require clear and conspicuous disclosure of all material fees, including equipment non-return fees, at or before the point of subscription. The adequacy of fee disclosure in the agreement and at point of sale should be reviewed for compliance with applicable state disclosure requirements. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Organizations managing employee or bulk Comcast accounts should implement equipment tracking procedures to ensure timely return upon service termination and avoid non-return fees. The agreement's assignment of liability for damage or loss to the subscriber means organizations should consider whether their general property insurance covers Comcast-owned equipment in employee homes. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Fee disclosure adequacy should be reviewed against applicable state consumer protection requirements. The specific non-return fee amounts, which are determined by a separately referenced rate card, should be confirmed and communicated to subscribers at sign-up to ensure adequate pre-contract disclosure.
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Equipment non-return fees can be substantial (often $100-$300 per device), and the subscriber is financially liable for damage to or loss of Comcast-owned equipment during the service period, creating an ongoing financial obligation that persists after cancellation.
Subscribers who cancel service and fail to return Comcast equipment promptly will be charged equipment non-return fees, which can be significant; subscribers also bear financial liability for damage to or loss of Comcast-owned equipment while it is in their home.
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