Start My Claim
How to claim for faulty goods in the small claims court under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Your 30-day, 6-month, and longer-term rights explained, with a step-by-step guide.
You can demand a full refund with no deduction. The retailer cannot insist on repair or replacement first. This applies to most goods under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Fault is presumed to have existed at the time of sale. The retailer gets one attempt to repair or replace. If that fails — or isn't possible — you're entitled to a refund (which can be reduced for use).
You must prove the fault existed at the time of sale. This is harder, but independent repair quotes or manufacturer defect records can help. You may still get a partial refund if repair/replacement isn't possible.
Always claimable if fault confirmed
If you had to send the goods back
E.g. car hire while your car was being wrongly repaired
Must be reasonably foreseeable — e.g. spoiled food if fridge failed
Recoverable if you win
How to claim for faulty goods through the small claims court
Your Consumer Rights Act 2015 options for faulty goods and the steps to take if the retailer refuses.
Identify your consumer rights window
Within 30 days you have a short-term right to reject. Between 30 days and 6 months the trader must repair or replace first. After 6 months you must prove the fault was present at sale.
Report the fault to the retailer in writing
Email or write to the retailer setting out the fault, when you bought it, and what remedy you want. Keep a copy.
Reject the goods or request repair or replacement
State clearly whether you are rejecting (for full refund) or requesting repair or replacement. The trader has one opportunity to repair before you can escalate.
Send a Letter Before Action
If the retailer refuses or ignores you, send a formal Letter Before Action giving 14 days to resolve the matter or you will issue a court claim.
File via Money Claim Online
Issue your claim through MCOL (moneyclaim.gov.uk). Include the purchase price, any consequential losses, and the court fee.
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
Your rights depend on how long ago you bought the goods. There are three distinct time periods.
Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. Digital content and services have similar protections under the same Act.
What you can claim for
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Purchase price (or partial refund) | Always claimable if fault confirmed |
| Return delivery costs | If you had to send the goods back |
| Replacement hire costs | E.g. car hire while your car was being wrongly repaired |
| Consequential losses | Must be reasonably foreseeable — e.g. spoiled food if fridge failed |
| Court filing fee | Recoverable if you win |
Step-by-step: how to force a refund
Small claims court process
Letter Before Action
Unpaid invoice claims