What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015?
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In short: The main UK law setting out your rights when buying goods, services and digital content. Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described — and you can reject faulty items within 30 days for a full refund in most cases.
Content updated:
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 consolidated and updated consumer law in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For goods, traders must provide items that are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If a fault appears within 30 days of purchase, you have a short-term right to reject the goods for a full refund.
From 30 days to six months, you are entitled to a repair or replacement, and the retailer must prove the fault was not present at delivery if it disputes your claim. After six months, you can still seek a repair, replacement or partial refund, but you may need to show the fault was likely there from the start. Services must be performed with reasonable care and skill within a reasonable time for a reasonable price.
Digital content — downloads, streaming, apps — must be as described and of satisfactory quality, with rights to repair, replacement or price reduction if it damages your device. The Act also bans unfair contract terms in consumer contracts. For disputes, complain to the retailer first, then consider alternative dispute resolution or the small claims court for higher-value cases.
Primary source: legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/contents
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