Fair Wear and Tear Guide

The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide is an essential document that provides an industry standard for vehicle leasing companies to use to assess the condition of vehicles returned to them at the end of a lease period.

On completion of your lease contract, the vehicle must be returned per the BVRLA and your finance company's fair wear and tear guidelines.

A representative from your finance provider will collect your vehicle and check its overall condition. All damage will be recorded, and if the vehicle is returned in poorer condition than fair wear and tear allows, you may be charged.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) produces the fair wear and tear guide. It offers an industry-standard description of acceptable levels of fair wear and tear. We recommend reading this information at the start and again towards the end of your car lease.

Each finance company also produces its own set of fair wear and tear guidelines, which we recommend you read in case there are differences you must comply with.

Your Fair Wear and Tear Checklist

We highly recommend that in the remaining few months of your lease, you make time to check your vehicle against the BVRLA’s Fair Wear and Tear Guide, ideally in a well-lit area with the car exterior clean.  

Here’s a useful checklist to work through ahead of the pre-vehicle return date:

  • Check your service history is fully up to date – you'll get this info in your service logbook
  • Check your tyre tread meets minimum legal requirements
  • Check that all the electric features in the vehicle are working as they should
  • Check the interior is in good condition, an internal clean is always a good idea
  • For the exterior, ensure any exterior damage is minor surface only
  • Ensure all sets of keys (can often be more than one) and vehicle documentation are available, this would include the handbook, MOT certificate and service record

These checks will help minimise any costly end-of-lease bill; and early preparation is always recommended.

Remember, your Gofor customer success team is here to help.  

If you have any pre-vehicle return queries, contact us here.

1. The BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear Guide for cars and LCVs