Introduction 

You've spent months sifting through lease deals to find the perfect one for you, and now you've got the keys to your shiny new car. It's an exciting time, but you should spare a thought for when the lease agreement comes to an end and you have to hand back the car.  

When taking out your lease agreement, you'll be made aware of something called 'Fair Wear and Tear'. This is a defined set of parameters that refers to the normal deterioration of a car during regular use and over time. Most leasing companies, such as the AA, abide by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), Fair Wear and Tear Policy, and use third party inspectors to ensure fairness.  

But what is normal deterioration and what's the difference between 'Fair Wear and Tear' and 'Damage'? In this guide we will explain what is and what isn't acceptable, and how to avoid any extra fees. 

Fair wear and tear vs. damage 

One person's idea of fair wear and tear is different to another's, that's why leasing companies, such as the AA, abide by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Fair Wear and Tear Policy. This ensures fairness and consistency. 

Fair Wear and Tear is nothing to get worried about. It's the usual process of a car aging and deteriorating during regular use, and, importantly, is classed as acceptable when it comes to handing back your lease car. Of course, it’s a sliding scale, as what would be classed as Fair Wear and Tear on a two-year lease is different from a four-year one; a car on a four-year agreement, for example, will likely have travelled a higher mileage than a two-year one, so a greater allowance for Fair Wear and Tear will be accepted.   

‘Damage’, however, is different – these are issues that go beyond the BVRLA guidelines of Fair Wear and Tear, and will likely be chargeable.  

BVRLA guidelines explained: what is acceptable? 

The BVRLA has produced an in-depth guide into what constitutes Fair Wear and Tear, which can be read by clicking here, but here are the essentials: 

Exterior body & paintwork 

• Acceptable: Chips of less than 3mm less; a maximum of four chips on any panel, six chips per door edge, and eight chips on any forward-facing panel 
• Acceptable: Dents of 15mm or less; provided there are no more than two per panel and the paint surface is not broken.  
• Acceptable: Surface scratches of 25mm or less; where the primer or bare metal is not showing. A maximum of four surface scratches on one panel is acceptable. 
• Unacceptable: Chips within dents. 
• Unacceptable: Dents on the roof or on the swage line of any panel. 
• Unacceptable: Rust, corrosion or discolouration on any painted area, including painted bumpers, body mouldings and mirrors. 
• Unacceptable: Evidence of poor repair. 

Wheels & tyres 

• Acceptable: Scuffs up to 50mm on the total circumference of the wheel rim and on alloy wheels. 
• Acceptable: Light tyre wear, as long as tyres meet UK legal limits. 
• Unacceptable: Damaged tyre sidewalls, tread, and cracking. 
• Unacceptable: Evidence of uneven wear on tyres. 
• Unacceptable: Damaged wheel spokes. 
• Unacceptable: Dents on wheel rims and wheel trims. 

Windows, glass & lights 

• Acceptable: Light scratches to the windscreen that do not obstruct the driver's line of vision. 
• Acceptable: Minor scuff marks or scratches of 25mm on lamps and lenses. 
• Unacceptable: Damage in excess of 10mm in driver's vision on windscreen, or in excess of 40mm in swept area of screen. 
• Unacceptable: Missing or cracked door mirror glass and housings. 
• Unacceptable: Holes or cracks in lenses, including water ingress. 

Interior 

• Acceptable: Scratches on treads, sills and seals that reflect normal use. 
• Unacceptable: Burns, scratches, tears, dents or staining on seats, headrests and trim. Holes in carpet. 
• Mechanical & Documentation 
• Acceptable: Safe, legal and capable of passing an MOT test. 
• Acceptable: Advisory warning lights, eg. Impending service due. 
• Unacceptable: Warning lights for engine and brake management system, eg, diesel particulate filter, type pressure system or oil pressure. 
• Not acceptable: Fluid leaks. 
• Not acceptable: Excessive wear to brakes, seized or damaged engines, clutch slipping or noisy manual gearbox, noisy and ineffective automatic gearbox. 
• Not acceptable: Missing V5C, MOT receipt (where appropriate), owner's manual (where supplied), service record booklet (where supplied), items such as radio and security codes, two keys (if supplied), and locking wheel nuts. 

It's worth pointing out that repaired chips, scratches and dents are acceptable provided that the work has been carried out to a professional standard, and the repairers can provide evidence of a full warranty. 

How to prepare for the end-of-lease inspection 

Before your end-of-lease check, do your own pre-inspection using our list above and the BVRLA guide; you can even ask for a second opinion from a friend or a garage, and carry out your own repairs – but keep in mind what we said above. It sounds obvious, but check your car in dry and bright conditions, and make sure to remove any personal items. The car will also need to be valeted inside, the exterior 'sufficiently clean', and sufficient space around the car (at least two metres) to allow for inspection. 

Conclusion 

Driving your new lease car should be an enjoyable experience. But sparing a thought for the car's condition when it comes to handing it back at the end of the agreement could potentially save your wallet. Ultimately, a bit of planning and understanding of what's involved will ensure a stress- and charge-free return process.