Fair Wear and Tear on a Lease Car: What’s Acceptable?
When you lease a car, you’re expected to return it in good condition for its age and mileage. But what does that actually mean?
At LeaseCar, we follow the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) Fair Wear and Tear guidelines, which set the industry standard for what’s acceptable—and what could result in charges.
This guide explains what to expect and how to avoid unexpected costs.
Key takeaways
Some wear is expected and allowed
Damage beyond "fair wear and tear" may result in charges
Vehicles are inspected at the end of a lease
You can reduce the risk of charges with regular maintenance and care
Checking your car before it's returned helps avoid surprises
What is fair wear and tear?
Fair wear and tear refers to minor, unavoidable signs of use that happen over time. This includes things like:
Light scratches
Small stone chips
Minor scuffs
Wear appropriate to the length of the lease
As long as the vehicle is roadworthy, well-maintained and free from significant damage, it should meet the required standard.
What is NOT considered fair wear and tear?
Anything beyond normal use may be classed as excessive wear and tear, which could lead to charges.
This usually includes:
Deep scratches or dents
Cracked or broken parts
Interior damage (tears, burns, heavy staining)
Missing items (keys, documents, equipment)
Common examples: acceptable vs unacceptable
Based on the BVRLA guidelines, here's a simple breakdown:
Windscreen
Acceptable:
Small scratches outside the driver's line of sight
Unacceptable:
Chips, cracks or holes
Damage in the driver's view
Wheels and tyres
Acceptable:
Minor scuffs (up to ~25mm)
Legal tread depth
Unacceptable:
Heavy scoring or gouges
Damaged tyre sidewalls
Uneven or unsafe wear
Bodywork and paint
Acceptable:
Light scratches (under ~25mm)
Small stone chips
Minor dents (under ~10mm, no paint damage)
Unacceptable:
Deep scratches exposing metal
Large dents of multiple dents on one panel
Cracked or heavily damaged paintwork
Bumpers
Acceptable:
Minor scuffs
Unacceptable:
Cracks, splits or deep damage
Interior
Acceptable:
Light wear and minor marks
Unacceptable:
Burns, tears or permanent stains
Damage from fittings or modifications
Mirrors and glass
Acceptable:
Light scuffs
Unacceptable:
Cracks, chips or missing parts
Decals
Acceptable:
Should be removed along with all glue residue
Unacceptable:
Any damage caused by the removal of any badges or advertising
What happens at the end of your lease?
See our quick guide for more detail.
Essentially when your contract ends, the vehicle is inspected, condition assessed against BVRLA standards and any excessive damage may result in charges.
If your car meets the expected standard, you can simply hand it back and move on.
How to avoid wear and tear charges
A little preparation can make a big difference.
Before returning your car:
Check the vehicle 10-12 weeks before return
Wash and inspect it in good lighting
Look closely at bodywork, wheels and interior upholstery
Fix any obvious issues early - it's often cheaper to fix issues before insepction
During your lease:
Service the car according to schedule
Keep records up-to-date
Drive and park carefully
Regularly clean the car
Final checks before returning your car:
Ensure you have all the keys
All relevant documents are present
The car is clean inside and out
Any damage has been addressed
Taking the time to do this properly can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Should you consider a maintenance package?
A maintenance package won’t cover cosmetic damage—but it can help reduce overall risk. It typically includes:
Servicing
Routine maintenance
Replacement of commonly worn parts (depending on your plan)
This helps
Keep the car in good mechanical condition
Reduces the risk of larger issues
Makes costs predictable
At LeaseCar, we can help you decide if maintenance cover is worth adding to your lease.
Need help with your lease?
If you’re unsure about wear and tear standards or want help choosing a lease that suits your lifestyle, we’re here to help. At LeaseCar, we explain expectations clearly from the start, help you avoid common pitfalls and can offer guidance through your lease.
Browse our latest deals or speak to the team for advice.