Fair Wear And Tear Guide
When you lease a vehicle, your contract will typically require the car to be returned in a condition reflecting fair wear and tear, meaning reasonable deterioration from everyday use, rather than damage from neglect, accidents, or abuse.
To avoid surprise charges at lease-end, here’s what you should know.
What Is “Fair Wear & Tear”?
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration a vehicle undergoes through regular use. It differs from damage caused by accidents, neglect, or misuse.
Who sets the rules: The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) provides widely accepted guidelines, but your specific lease provider may have slightly different standards. Your finance company will send you a copy of the fair wear and tear guide when the collection of your vehicle is confirmed. Please speak with your sales representative if you require a copy in advance.
The guidelines typically cover:
· General appearance, documentation & keys
· Paint, bodywork & bumpers
· Windows, glass, mirrors & lights
· Tyres, wheels & trims
· Mechanical condition
· Interior upholstery, fabrics & controls
· Equipment and accessories (e.g. mats, tools, controls)
For example, small scratches (under ~ 25 mm) or minor dents (provided paint isn’t broken) might be acceptable. But cracks, holes, broken mirrors, badly scuffed alloy wheels, or burns and tears inside usually cross the line into unacceptable damage.
Preparing Your Vehicle Ahead of Return
To avoid surprise charges, we recommend starting the preparation 10–12 weeks before your handover.
Here’s a checklist to follow:
| Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Clean inside & out thoroughly | Dirt and grime can hide scratches or dents. A clean car helps you spot flaws early. |
| Inspect in daylight, while dry | Wet surfaces and shadows hide damage. Inspecting under natural light gives you a better view. |
| Use an objective eye (or a second opinion) | Sometimes damage is easier to see with fresh eyes. |
| Check all panels, mirrors, roof, wheels, tyres | Don’t forget the roof, trim, wheel edges, spare tyre & trims. |
| Check interior for burns, stains, tears, odours | These items tend to be flagged during the inspection. |
| Ensure all controls, accessories, electronics work | Air-conditioning, infotainment, all switches—leaving a fault here might trigger a charge. |
| Gather documentation & keys | Service book, MOT (if applicable), owner’s manual, full set of keys. |
| Remove decals / advertising & residual adhesive | These must be removed, and any resulting damage made good. |
| Check mechanical conditions & warning lights | No illuminated warning lights; brakes, suspension etc. should be in order. |
If you spot damage beyond acceptable wear and tear, act early. Fixing dents, scratches, or upholstery issues prior to handback, using a qualified repairer, is usually cheaper than facing penalty charges after inspection.
What Happens During the Inspection / Handover?
When the lease ends, a professional inspector (appointed by the finance company) will carry out a full condition check:
They’ll make a condition report, noting any damage, missing items, or discrepancies.
You’ll be asked to sign it (or its equivalent). If you disagree with the findings, you should note your objections in writing.
Charges will be applied for any damage considered to be outside of fair wear and tear.
If you’re disputing a charge, the finance provider may open a review process, checking images and comparing to their standards.
You’ll usually be given a handover appointment window or collection window. Make sure the car is in the expected condition at that time.
What Counts as Acceptable Wear and Tear
Depending on your funder’s guide, some commonly accepted standards include:
Small, light scratches (for example, up to 25 mm)
Minor scuffs on alloy wheels
Light tyre wear, provided the tyres remain within legal safety limits
Slight stains or marks on interiors (as long as there are no rips, burns or holes)
Minor chips to glass or lights, so long as they don’t impair visibility
What Often Triggers Penalty Charges
These are areas where many lessees incur unexpected costs:
Deep scratches, dents, or bodywork damage beyond small marks
Rips, tears, or burns in upholstery
Cracked windscreen or damage that affects vision
Damage to wheels, trims or paintwork over the acceptable threshold
Adhesive residue, unrepaired impact damage or obvious neglect
Excess mileage beyond your contract limit
Fair Wear & Tear Tips
To reduce the risk of end-of-lease charges, it's advisable to remain mindful throughout your contract. Address any dents, scuffs, or interior scratches as they occur, rather than waiting until the end of your lease. Maintain the car's appearance by washing it regularly, keeping the interior tidy, and inspecting the wheels frequently. Monitor your tyres regularly and replace or renew any that fall below the legal tread depth. It’s also important to stay within your agreed mileage, as exceeding it is one of the most common causes of extra fees. Finally, keep detailed service and maintenance records; they demonstrate that you’ve cared for the vehicle properly and can help avoid unnecessary disputes when it’s time to return it.
Each finance provider or leasing company may have its own version of a fair wear and tear guide, with slight differences in what they consider acceptable. Please get in touch with our team to receive the exact guide for your funder, so you know precisely what conditions your vehicle must meet when you return it.
Ending a car lease doesn’t have to be stressful, it simply requires a bit of preparation and attention to detail. By starting your inspections early, understanding your lease terms, addressing any damage promptly, and keeping thorough documentation, you can greatly reduce the risk of unexpected charges at the end of your agreement. To make sure you’re fully prepared, contact our team and we’ll provide the correct fair wear and tear guide for your finance provider. This ensures you have the most accurate, funder-specific information before returning your vehicle.