Faulty kitchen? Here is how the consumer rights act has you covered.

Kitchens are often considered the heart of the home. Whether you are remodelling your kitchen or purchasing new components, understanding your consumer rights is crucial to ensuring you are protected.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out the rules for goods and services. However, the focus of this blog will be on goods. They must be:

• As described- The goods supplied must match any description given to you at the time of purchase.
• Of satisfactory quality- The goods should arrive free from any faults or damage. They must meet a standard that a reasonable person would deem acceptable, considering factors such as durability, safety, and the absence of minor defects.
• Fit for purpose: The goods should be fit for any particular purpose made known to the retailer before you agree to buy them.

The provisions within the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects consumers for up to 6 years in England and Wales, and 5 years in Scotland.

However, sometimes retailers can accidentally send you damaged goods that do not meet the requirements set out above. So, what can you do? Below we have set out provisions that can assist you.

1. Right to reject (within 30 days)

If you receive a good that is not as described, of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose or even damaged in anyway, you have the right to reject this item for a full refund if it is within 30 days from the date you received it.

• Right for a repair or replacement (30 days – to 6 months)

If you notice a defect or the item is not fit for purpose after 30 days to within 6 months, it is presumed to have been faulty at the time of delivery, unless the retailer can prove otherwise. The retailer then has one opportunity to repair or replace the item until you can claim a refund.

• Right to rejection or price reduction (After 6 months)

If it has been more than 6 months, the burden of proof shifts onto the consumer who must demonstrate the fault existed at the time of purchase. In some cases, retailers may deduct a sum from the refund due to the item being used. However, if a consumer decides to keep the faulty goods, they have the right to a price reduction (partial refund)

Section 20 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 outlines the "final right to reject" for consumers when a trader has not been able to repair or replace faulty goods. This right allows a consumer to reject faulty goods and receive a full refund, effectively treating the contract as at an end.