Fair wear and tear on your leased van: what to expect at return

01What does fair wear and tear mean?

Fair wear and tear is the normal deterioration that occurs when a van is used properly over the agreed lease period. You should not be charged for refurbishment arising solely from normal wear, but damage, missing equipment and neglected maintenance can lead to end-of-contract charges. (bvrla.co.uk)

The BVRLA defines damage as deterioration caused by a specific event or series of events, including impact, inappropriate storage of goods, harsh treatment, negligence or an omission. A light mark caused gradually through normal use may therefore be treated differently from a deep scratch caused by a collision or an unsecured load. (bvrla.co.uk)

The BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide for Light Commercial Vehicles provides a consistent industry benchmark for vans. It is separate from the BVRLA car guide because commercial vehicles are used differently, particularly in their load areas. The standard helps leasing companies and customers distinguish reasonable use from damage that reduces the van's value or requires rectification. (bvrla.co.uk)

Your lease agreement remains important. Individual funders may set their own return conditions, including requirements for servicing, accessories, modifications and documentation. Ask for the current BVRLA LCV guide and compare it with your contract before arranging any work.

02How does your lease type affect wear and tear charges?

Whether fair wear and tear produces a direct charge depends on what happens to the van at the end of the agreement. Contract Hire vehicles normally return to the leasing company, while Hire Purchase customers usually obtain ownership after making all required payments. (fla.org.uk)

These are general descriptions, not a substitute for the agreement. Check the contract for its ownership, return, mileage, maintenance and modification terms before deciding how to deal with the van. The FLA advises business customers to read the agreement carefully and make sure they understand all its terms and conditions. (fla.org.uk)

03How do lease length and mileage affect what is acceptable?

The van's age and mileage provide context when its condition is assessed. A leasing company should not expect a heavily used four-year-old working van to look identical to a lightly used two-year-old vehicle, but age and mileage do not turn identifiable damage into fair wear and tear. BVRLA material describes the expected return condition as reasonable for the vehicle's age and mileage. (bvrla.co.uk)

Consider these illustrative examples:

• Two years and 20,000 miles: relatively little accumulated wear would normally be expected. Numerous dents, a heavily gouged load floor or badly worn cab trim may be harder to explain as ordinary deterioration.
• Four years and 80,000 miles: more surface wear, load-area scuffing and general signs of use may be reasonable, provided they remain within the current BVRLA LCV guide and the contract.

The longer-term van does not receive an automatic allowance for every defect. Cracked lights, unsafe tyres, warning lights, broken equipment, missing keys, accident damage and neglected servicing remain potential problems regardless of age. A van must also remain roadworthy even if it has a valid MOT certificate. (gov.uk)

Exact scratch, dent, chip and tyre tolerances can change when the BVRLA updates its LCV guide. Use the current edition supplied by the leasing company rather than relying on remembered measurements or standards taken from the BVRLA car guide.

04What is acceptable in each area of the van?

The following is a practical summary of the BVRLA LCV approach. It does not replace the current guide or your contract. Where the guide uses an exact size, length, depth or quantity limit, check the current BVRLA LCV guide rather than estimating it yourself. The BVRLA's latest update also confirms that cracked or misshapen panels are unacceptable, all keys must work, charging cables must be undamaged, and the leasing company's instructions apply to wraps and emblems. (bvrla.co.uk)

The current BVRLA guide, not the summary table, is the authority for any exact measurement. Your leasing company's agreed return conditions take precedence where the contract sets a specific requirement.

05What van-specific issues need extra attention?

Load-area wear

The BVRLA LCV standard recognises that a van is a working vehicle. Ordinary loading can leave surface scratches and scuffs, but normal commercial use does not include avoidable damage from unsecured tools, overloaded fittings, spills or unsuitable storage. Clean the load area thoroughly so that dirt does not hide damage and remove loose materials before inspection.

Racking, ply lining, tow bars and roof racks

Do not assume that accessories must always be removed. Factory-fitted or funder-approved equipment may need to remain, while unauthorised additions may need professional removal and reinstatement of the van. Check written instructions before removing racking, ply lining, tow bars, roof racks, beacons, power equipment or security devices.

Removal work should not leave holes, exposed wiring, damaged paint or missing trim. Return any detachable accessories supplied with the van, including roof-rack components, locking keys and electrical connectors. The BVRLA Leasing Code requires customers to be told about return standards for vehicle accessories. (bvrla.co.uk)

Signwriting and paint fade

Follow the leasing company's instructions on whether wraps, vinyl lettering and emblems must be removed. The latest BVRLA LCV update specifically says that vehicles with wraps or emblems must follow the leasing company's removal guidance. (bvrla.co.uk)

Professional removal reduces the risk of torn paint, knife marks and adhesive residue. Colour differences may be visible where covered paint has been protected from sunlight, but whether this is acceptable depends on the current LCV guide, the severity of the difference and the contract.

06How should you prepare for the return inspection?

The BVRLA recommends appraising a leased vehicle around 10 to 12 weeks before return. Inspect it when it is clean, dry and in good light, allowing enough time to obtain guidance or arrange professional work. (bvrla.co.uk)

Pre-return checklist

• Obtain the current BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide for Light Commercial Vehicles and your funder's return instructions.
• Confirm the return date, contracted mileage and collection arrangements.
• Wash and dry the exterior, then inspect every panel, the roof, doors, bonnet and bumpers.
• Clean the cab and load area, including beneath removable mats and loose equipment.
• Check the glass, mirrors, lights, wheels, tyres and any supplied spare or mobility kit.
• Test controls, locks, keys, electrical accessories and charging cables.
• Check servicing and maintenance records against the contract and manufacturer schedule.
• Ask for written instructions before removing livery, racking or other accessories.
• Gather every key, manual, document, cable, detachable accessory and security item.
• Take clear, dated photographs of the clean van, including the mileage display and load area.

Repairing damage before return

A repair may be worth considering when the defect is clearly outside the standard and a reputable repairer can complete the work correctly. The BVRLA says pre-return repairs should be completed professionally by a reputable repairer able to provide a fully transferable warranty. A poor repair can itself be treated as unacceptable. (bvrla.co.uk)

Before authorising work, compare a written repair quotation with the leasing company's likely recharge and check whether approval is required. Cosmetic work may be unnecessary if the mark is already acceptable under the current guide.

Inspection and disputed charges

Some vans receive a full inspection at collection, while others are collected and inspected later at a nominated site. Be present if possible, ensure readily visible damage is recorded, read the condition report and retain a copy. The BVRLA Leasing Code says supporting evidence for a charge should include a breakdown and photographic, video or other documentation. (bvrla.co.uk)

If you disagree with a charge, first use the leasing company's complaints process and request the inspection report, photographs and calculation. A disputed condition assessment can be reviewed by an independent qualified inspector agreed by both parties. Under the BVRLA process, the customer initially pays for this review, but the reasonable cost is refunded if the decision supports the customer. (bvrla.co.uk)

If the complaint remains unresolved after the member's process, it may be referred to the BVRLA Alternative Dispute Resolution service, also described as its conciliation service. Supply the contract, inspection documents, correspondence, invoices and original photographs or videos, preferably retaining their date and time metadata. (bvrla.co.uk)

07Summary

Fair wear and tear allows for normal deterioration from proper use of a leased van. It does not cover impact damage, neglect, missing equipment, poor repairs or faults caused by inappropriate use.

Start preparing well before collection, use the current BVRLA Light Commercial Vehicle guide rather than the car standard, and follow your funder's contract where its terms are more specific. Keep photographs and paperwork in case you need to query an inspection.

If you are unsure about the return process, required accessories or whether a modification should be removed, contact our team before the collection date. We can help explain the agreement and direct you to the relevant return instructions.