The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide sets an industry-wide standard for a vehicle’s condition at the end of its lease. It covers every aspect of vehicle wear and tear that can occur under normal usage when considering natural deterioration for the vehicle’s age and mileage. It excludes damage as a result of misuse, neglect or road collisions.

Any customer of a lease van should request a copy of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide and become accustomed to it. But they should also be aware that it is just a guideline and the funder of their lease deal may have their own documentation outlining any specific requirements to any lease vans returned to them.

The guidelines outline all aspects of the van’s condition including windows, windscreens and lights, interior upholstery, exterior paintwork, wheels, tyres and trim. This is in addition to mechanical condition, documentation and equipment (including keys).

Please use the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide for advice on how to best maintain your lease van. As well as learning what, if any, damage you will be charged for at the end of your lease if returned without repair.

The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide for lease vans

There are multiple variants of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide to reflect the different vehicle lease types they regulate. Please see the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guides for vans below.

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How to prepare for returning your van

The BVRLA guidelines advise that leaseholders should assess the condition of their lease van at least 10 weeks before it is due to be returned. This timeframe will allow any necessary repairs to be diagnosed and repaired before the vehicle is collected.

Our tips for the most effective assessment of your lease car's condition are as follows:

  • Be objective – When assessing the condition of your van it is important to remain objective: follow the guide and do not make subjective judgements. If in doubt, ask for the unbiased opinion of friends or family.
  • Ensure appropriate lighting – Choosing to assess your vehicle in poor or too bright light could cause you to miss cosmetic issues. Your vehicle will be inspected in natural light upon collection, so this is the most effective way for you to make your assessment.
  • Ensure the van is dry – Inspecting your van when it is dry will improve the likelihood that you will spot any issues. Dew and rain can make it much harder to spot dents and scratches so ensure the vehicle is dry before making your assessment.
  • Clean the van – Dirt can cover marks on both the exterior and interior of the van. Thoroughly washing the vehicle before assessing it will enable you to find and fix all issues, and not be charged more for it later.

Rectifying any damage on your lease van

Any damage that goes beyond the recommendations made within the BVRLA Fair wear and tear guide is likely to incur penalty charges from the funder when they inspect the van. To avoid these penalty charges, you should arrange to repair the damage before the collection takes place. Arranging to do so yourself is likely to be more cost-effective than the fees charged by the funder to make the repairs for you after they have collected the van.

Before arranging such work, it is important to ensure that any work is completed to a professional standard by repairers that offer a full warranty on their work. It is advised to check with your finance provider before arranging repairs of any sort to check and obtain approval from them if it is required.

Keeping on top of your servicing schedule will not only keep your lease van running at its best but will also mean you avoid additional charges when you hand the van back. This is because regular and prompt servicing minimises vehicle depreciation. Ensure all services are recorded and are carried out by an accredited servicing outlet.

Ensuring your van is kept clean throughout your lease term will not only maximise your use of the vehicle but will also reduce the damage done by dirt, grime and contamination. We recommend doing a thorough clean every few months for optimum protection.

The collection process

The funder will contact you weeks before the end of your lease to confirm a convenient day for collection. On arrival with you, a qualified inspector will note the findings of their visual inspection, recording any damage on a formal condition report along with any applicable charges. You will then be required to sign this report.

If you do not agree with the assessment provided, you are required to detail your concerns on the document in detail. This will lead to a review by an expert team to assess whether the costs will stand.

Coming to the end of your lease deal and want to plan for your next van?