This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
If a product becomes faulty within six months, the law often assumes the defect was present at the time of purchase. Learn how to use this rule to hold retailers accountable for repairs or refunds.
When goods you have bought develop a fault, UK consumer law gives you statutory rights to remedies such as a repair, replacement, refund or price reduction. One of the most important legal protections is the six‑month rule under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015). This article explains the six‑month rule, how it affects your rights and responsibilities, what the law assumes about faults, and what you can practically do if a fault appears in this period.
What is the Six‑Month Rule?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a product develops a fault within the first six months after delivery, the law presumes - unless the seller proves otherwise - that the defect was present at the time the goods were supplied. You generally do not have to prove that the fault existed when you bought the item. This is a key legal safeguard for consumers.
This presumption applies after the initial 30‑day “short‑term right to reject” period and up to six months from the date you take ownership.
Legal Basis and Purpose
The CRA 2015 implied terms into all contracts for the supply of goods. These implied terms include that the goods must be:
- Of satisfactory quality - free from defects a reasonable person would not accept;
- Fit for purpose - suitable for the uses for which they are supplied;
- As described - matching any description, sample or specification given at purchase.
The six‑month rule specifically supports the first two standards (quality and fitness) by helping consumers assert their rights more easily in the early months after purchase.
How the Six‑Month Rule Works in Practice
1. Initial 30 Days – Short‑Term Right to Reject
For the first 30 days after taking ownership, you have the short‑term right to reject faulty goods and receive a refund if the item does not conform to contract standards. You do not need to give the seller a chance to repair or replace during this period.
2. From 30 Days to 6 Months – Presumption Applies
If a fault appears after 30 days but within six months:
- The law assumes the fault was present at delivery. Unless the seller can prove otherwise, this reversed burden of proof helps support your claim.
- You must normally give the retailer one opportunity to repair or replace the product first. If the repair or replacement is unsuccessful, or if it is not possible, you can request a refund or a price reduction.
This rule applies to most consumer goods, whether you bought them online, by phone, mail order or in‑store.
3. After Six Months – Burden Shifts Back to You
Once more than six months have passed:
- The legal presumption no longer applies.
- You must prove the defect was present when the goods were supplied if you want to pursue a remedy under the CRA 2015.
- In practice, this may require independent evidence such as expert reports, technical assessments, or documented patterns of identical faults in the same product model.
Practical Examples
Example 1: You buy a kettle. Two months later the kettle stops heating. Because the problem surfaced within six months, it is presumed to have existed at purchase. You notify the seller and ask for a repair. If they cannot successfully repair it or refuse to do so, you can ask for a refund or price reduction.
Example 2: You buy a set of tools. Eighteen months later one tool breaks during normal use. Since the fault developed after six months, you would generally have to demonstrate that the defect occurred at the time of supply - for example, through technical or expert documentation - to secure a refund or repair under the CRA 2015.
Claiming Remedies under the Six‑Month Rule
Repair or Replacement
Between 30 days and six months, you typically have to allow the retailer one opportunity to repair or replace the faulty item. This is distinct from the first 30 days where you can reject the item outright.
Refund or Price Reduction
If the seller cannot repair or replace, or if these options are impossible, unreasonably inconvenient or unsuccessful:
- You can request a full refund if within six months (with some limited exceptions such as motor vehicles where deductions for use may apply).
- A price reduction may be available if you want to keep the goods despite the fault.
Burden of Proof Explained
During the first six months, the burden of proof rests with the retailer to show that the fault did not exist at delivery if they wish to reject a claim. This legal structure acknowledges that consumers are often not able to inspect or detect latent faults immediately.
After six months, the burden shifts back, and the consumer must show that goods were defective at the time they were supplied, which can make later claims more complex and evidence‑intensive.
Common Questions About the Six‑Month Rule
Does the six‑month rule apply to second‑hand goods?
Yes, the rule still applies to used goods purchased from a trader, although expectations of durability may be lower given age and description.
Can a seller contract out of the six‑month rule?
No. Terms that attempt to limit statutory consumer rights under the CRA 2015 are generally unenforceable if they are unfair or misleading.
What if the fault appears on a replacement item?
If a replacement item develops a fault within six months of delivery of the replacement, the six‑month rule generally applies to that item too.
Key Takeaways
The six‑month faulty goods rule under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 is a strong consumer protection in England and Wales:
- It creates a legal presumption that faults appearing within six months were present at delivery.
- Between 30 days and six months, retailers must demonstrate otherwise if they dispute a claim.
- After six months, the consumer usually must prove that a defect existed at the time of supply.
- Remedies include repair, replacement, refund or a price reduction, depending on circumstances.
Understanding this rule helps you assess and assert your rights when goods fail to meet legal standards of quality, fitness and description.
