Consumer Rights Act 2015 explained
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 — goods, services, and digital content. The three remedies (repair, replace, refund) and how to assert them.
Visión general
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 consolidated and modernised UK consumer law, replacing several older statutes (Sale of Goods Act 1979 for consumers, Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, etc.). It covers goods, services, and digital content — and applies to any sale by a 'trader' to a 'consumer'. Together with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (where credit is involved), it is the core of consumer protection in the UK.
Quién puede usar este proceso
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves consumer rights act 2015 explained.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Proceso paso a paso
Know which category applies
Goods (physical products), services (work for you), or digital content (downloads, streaming, software). Each has slightly different remedies. Mixed contracts (e.g. a meal at a restaurant) are treated as goods + services.
Statutory rights (goods)
Section 9: satisfactory quality. Section 10: fit for purpose. Section 11: as described. These cannot be excluded. If the goods do not meet these standards, you have remedies.
30-day short-term right to reject
You have 30 days from delivery to reject faulty goods and get a full refund. The right applies to the FIRST fault you discover. Tell the trader within 30 days; you don't need to give the trader a chance to repair.
After 30 days — tiered right to repair/replace
Up to 6 months from delivery: trader must repair or replace at no cost. You can choose, but the trader can refuse a choice that is disproportionately costly. After one failed attempt, you can move to the final right to reject.
Final right to reject
After one unsuccessful repair or replacement (or if repair would take too long), you can reject and get a refund. The refund can be reduced for use you've had (6 months on motor vehicles, no reduction in first 6 months for goods).
Services and digital content
Services: must be performed with reasonable care and skill, at reasonable price (if not agreed), within reasonable time (if not agreed). If breached, you can require repeat performance or a price reduction. Digital content has its own equivalents.
Advertencias importantes
The Consumer Rights Act applies only to a 'consumer' (acting outside business) buying from a 'trader' (acting in the course of business). Business-to-business sales are governed by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and Sale of Goods (Amendment) Act 1995.
Pre-existing manufacturer warranties are additional and do not replace your CRA rights.
You enforce CRA rights against the seller, not the manufacturer. The seller is liable; they can then pursue the manufacturer separately.