BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear
Official BVRLA fair wear and tear standards for cars and light commercial vehicles, licensed to Oak First Investments Ltd t/a First Flexi Lease. Understand what's acceptable when returning your vehicle at the end of your lease.
Understanding the standard
What is BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear?
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is the trade body for the vehicle rental, leasing, and fleet management industry. Their Fair Wear and Tear Guide sets the industry standard for what constitutes acceptable condition when a leased vehicle is returned.
Fair wear and tear is defined as reasonable deterioration that occurs during normal, everyday use of a vehicle. It recognises that vehicles will naturally show signs of use over the course of a lease — but distinguishes this from damage, neglect, or misuse.
At First Flexi Lease, we follow the official BVRLA guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent vehicle return process. Our branded guide below sets out exactly what is and isn't acceptable, so there are no surprises when you return your vehicle.
Areas inspected
What Does the Guide Cover?
Bodywork & Paintwork
Scratches, dents, scuffs, stone chips, and paint condition on all exterior panels.
Wheels & Tyres
Alloy wheel damage, tyre tread depth, tyre condition, and spare wheel presence.
Interior & Upholstery
Seats, carpets, headlining, dashboard, controls, and general interior condition.
Glass & Lights
Windscreen chips and cracks, window scratches, headlight and tail light condition.
Mechanical & Equipment
Service history, warning lights, fluid levels, and all equipment functioning correctly.
Cleanliness
Vehicle should be returned in a reasonably clean condition inside and out.
Know the difference
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Condition
Generally Acceptable
- Minor surface scratches up to 25mm that have not penetrated the base coat
- Small stone chips up to 3mm without rust or primer showing
- Light scuffs on bumpers consistent with normal use
- Minor wear to driver's seat consistent with vehicle age and mileage
- Small window chips that have been professionally repaired
- Light carpet wear in foot wells
Not Acceptable
- Scratches longer than 25mm or through to the primer/metal
- Dents larger than 15mm that are visible from 1 metre
- Cracked, broken, or missing lights or lenses
- Burns, tears, or stains to interior upholstery
- Alloy wheel damage — kerb marks deeper than 25mm or on multiple wheels
- Windscreen damage in the driver's direct line of sight
These are general examples only. For full details and measurements, please refer to the official BVRLA guide below.
Official guide
BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear Guide
Licensed to Oak First Investments Ltd t/a First Flexi Lease. Browse the full official guide below or open it in a new window.
BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear Guide for Cars & LCVs
Open full guidePrepare for your return
Tips to Minimise End-of-Lease Charges
Wash regularly
Regular washing protects paintwork from contaminants, bird droppings, and tree sap that can cause permanent damage.
Follow the service schedule
Keep up with manufacturer-recommended servicing. Missing services can result in charges at the end of your lease.
Report damage early
Address chips and scratches promptly before they worsen. Small repairs now can prevent costly charges later.
Park carefully
Avoid tight spaces where possible and take care with kerbs to prevent alloy wheel and bumper damage.
Keep records
Retain all service records, repair invoices, and MOT certificates to evidence proper maintenance.
Check before returning
Inspect your vehicle against the BVRLA guide before your return date. This gives you time to arrange any repairs.
Questions about your vehicle return?
Our team can help with any questions about the return process, fair wear and tear standards, or end-of-lease inspections.
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