Key facts (2026): The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is the primary law governing your rights when buying goods, services, or digital content in the UK. It gives you the right to a full refund within 30 days for faulty goods, repair or replacement thereafter, and protection against unfair contract terms.

Whether you have bought a faulty appliance, received a poor service, or downloaded software that does not work, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out your rights clearly. Understanding these rights puts you in a strong position when dealing with retailers and service providers who may not always volunteer what you are entitled to.

Rights for Goods — The 30-Day Right to Reject

If goods are faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose, you have the right to a full refund if you return them within 30 days of purchase. After 30 days but within 6 months, you are entitled to one repair or replacement attempt. If the repair or replacement fails, or is not provided within a reasonable time, you can claim a full refund (or a partial refund after 6 months to reflect use). After 6 months, the burden of proof shifts — you must show the fault existed at the time of purchase.

Rights for Services

Services must be performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time (if not agreed), and at a reasonable price (if not fixed in advance). If a service falls short, you are entitled to ask the trader to redo the work or fix what was done badly. If this is not possible or practical, you can claim a price reduction. There is no automatic right to a refund for services — the trader must be given the opportunity to put things right first.

Rights for Digital Content

Digital content — apps, games, software, streaming services — must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If it is not, you are entitled to a repair or replacement. If that is not possible, you can claim a price reduction or refund. Unlike physical goods, there is no 30-day right to reject for digital content downloaded or streamed.

Our Verdict

The Consumer Rights Act gives UK consumers among the strongest protections in the world for faulty goods and poor services. The 30-day right to reject is particularly powerful — within this window, the retailer cannot insist on a repair or replacement. Always quote the Act specifically when making a complaint, as many retailers are unaware of or deliberately vague about the full extent of their obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights if goods are faulty UK?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a 30-day right to a full refund. After 30 days, you are entitled to repair or replacement, and a refund if those fail.

How long do I have to return faulty goods UK?

30 days for a full refund. You can still claim repair or replacement within 6 years (5 in Scotland) but the 30-day full refund right expires after 30 days.

What if a service is done badly UK?

The trader must put it right — redo the work or fix the problem. If they cannot do so in a reasonable time, you can claim a price reduction.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources such as gov.uk or qualified professionals before making decisions.

Last updated: April 2026 · Author: Chandraketu Tripathi