What Is the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide?

When you lease a car or van, it must be returned at the end of the agreement in a reasonable condition. If the vehicle is handed back with excessive damage or missing items, the finance provider may apply additional charges.

To keep things fair and consistent, finance companies follow agreed standards that outline what is considered acceptable condition at the end of a lease. Many leasing providers use the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Fair Wear and Tear Guidelines as a benchmark. However, not all finance companies apply these standards in exactly the same way, so it’s always best to confirm the specific guidelines used by your provider. You can request a copy of their Fair Wear and Tear policy at any point during your lease.

What Does Fair Wear and Tear Mean?

Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a vehicle that occurs through normal, everyday use over time. This includes minor marks or wear that you would reasonably expect based on the vehicle’s age and mileage.

It does not include damage caused by accidents, careless use, poor maintenance, misuse, or neglect. Any damage resulting from a specific incident or avoidable action is unlikely to be classed as fair wear and tear.

Why Can End-of-Lease Charges Apply?

When you lease a vehicle, it remains the property of the finance company. Your agreement requires you to take reasonable care of it and return it in line with the agreed condition standards.

If the vehicle is returned with damage beyond fair wear and tear, or with missing items such as keys or service records, the finance company may charge you to cover the cost of repairs or replacements needed before the vehicle can be re-leased or sold.

Examples of Acceptable Fair Wear and Tear

The following are typical examples of wear that is usually considered acceptable:

• Light surface scratches up to 25mm long, provided the paintwork is not broken

• Minor windscreen scratches that are outside the driver’s direct line of sight

• Light wear to tyres, as long as they remain legal under UK regulations

• Minor scuffs up to 25mm on alloy wheels

• Light staining to seats, with no tears, holes, or burns

• Minor marks to light lenses, as long as they are intact and watertight

These examples are for guidance only and may vary depending on the finance provider.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is the UK trade body for companies engaged in the leasing, rental and fleet management of cars and commercial vehicles for both corporate and consumer users.

We are a member of the BVRLA and abide by their Leasing Broker Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards that the BVRLA expects its members to achieve in all aspects of the brokering of leased vehicles and applies to any leasing transaction taking place in the UK. They carry out regular audits on all members to ensure that their standards are being met. Failure to do so will result in action being taken and may result in expulsion from the association.

Dealing with a BVRLA member assures you, the customer that you should expect the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

The BVRLA promotes ethical trading, clear pricing, transparent terms and conditions and high-quality vehicles and customer service standards. This code sets out the standards this its members shall comply with regarding: 

• Pre-contract procedures
• Support during the contract
• End of contract procedures
• Complaint handling 

The BVRLA is approved by Government as a Consumer ADR body under the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015 and members must participate in the BVRLA Conciliation Service, which provides a channel for members and their customers to help resolve any disputes that they may have.

You can download a copy of the BVRLA Leasing Broker Code of Conduct from https://www.bvrla.co.uk/resource/leasing-broker-code-of-conduct.html

BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Disclaimer
Milease is not a finance provider and does not conduct end-of-lease inspections. Fair wear and tear assessments are carried out by the finance company or their appointed inspection agent. Many finance providers use the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Fair Wear and Tear standards as a reference, but these are industry guidelines only and may not be used exactly by every provider. Customers should always refer to their own finance company’s Fair Wear and Tear policy and lease agreement for full and binding details.
For more information on the BVRLA’s fair wear and tear standards, visit the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear Guide: https://www.bvrla.co.uk/guidance/fair-wear-tear.html