What Is the Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window?
The Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window is a named framework for the statutory presumption under Section 19(14) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. During the first six months from the date of purchase, any fault that appears is legally presumed to have existed at the time the goods were sold. The retailer bears the burden of disproving this — not you. This is a statutory inversion of the normal rules of evidence, and it applies to all goods sold by a trader to a consumer in the UK.
In plain terms: if your product develops a fault within six months of purchase, the retailer must prove the fault was caused by something you did after you bought it. Until they do, the law treats the fault as the retailer's responsibility. Most consumers do not know this. Most retailers are aware of it — and count on you not knowing.
Named Framework — ClearDossier
The Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window is a proprietary named framework used throughout the ClearDossier Faulty Goods Fight-Back System. Every letter template in the system is calibrated to this window — the correct letter depends on whether you are inside or outside the six-month period.
What Does Section 19(14) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 Actually Say?
Section 19(14) states that where goods do not conform to the contract of sale, and the lack of conformity becomes apparent within six months of delivery, it is presumed that the lack of conformity existed at the time of delivery — unless the trader proves otherwise, or unless that presumption is incompatible with the nature of the goods or the nature of the lack of conformity.
The practical effect: the trader must actively demonstrate that the fault developed after purchase due to your misuse, external damage, or fair wear and tear. A blanket rejection ("this was caused by user damage") is not sufficient without evidence. If the retailer cannot provide that evidence, their rejection fails.
When Does the Presumption Apply and When Doesn't It?
The presumption applies in all five of these situations: (1) the fault appeared within six months of purchase; (2) you are complaining to the retailer, not the manufacturer; (3) you have not already accepted a repair or replacement that was intended to fix this specific fault; (4) the fault is not purely cosmetic damage caused by your own actions; and (5) the goods were sold by a trader — not a private seller.
The presumption does not apply when: the retailer can demonstrate through independent evidence that the fault is attributable to something that happened after purchase (misuse, impact damage, liquid damage with no pre-existing manufacturing defect); the goods are perishable and any incompatibility with the presumption is inherent in their nature; or you are purchasing from a private individual rather than a business.
Am I in the Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window? (4-Question Diagnostic)
1. Was the product purchased from a business (not a private seller)?
✓ Yes → continue
✗ No → CRA 2015 does not apply; your rights are under different rules
2. Has fewer than six months passed since the delivery date?
✓ Yes → continue
✗ No → you are outside the Presumption Window; an independent inspection report is needed
3. Have you already accepted a repair or replacement for this exact fault?
✓ No → continue
✗ Yes → the presumption may not apply to a second fault of the same type
4. Is your complaint about a fault in the product, not cosmetic damage you caused?
✓ Yes → you are in the Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window
✗ No → the presumption is unlikely to apply
What Should You Do If the Retailer Disputes the Presumption?
If the retailer rejects your claim without providing evidence that the fault was not present at purchase, their rejection is legally insufficient. The three-step response is: first, confirm your position in writing — restate the statutory presumption and ask the retailer to provide the specific evidence they are relying on to rebut it. Second, if they cannot produce that evidence within 14 days, escalate by building your Five-Component Evidence Pack and sending the appropriate window-calibrated letter. Third, if the retailer continues to refuse without evidence, proceed to your chargeback window or the Faulty Goods Escalation Calendar.
Related guides in this network:
The complete fight-back system uses this rule in every letter template
The Faulty Goods Fight-Back System includes four window-calibrated letter templates, the full Five-Component Evidence Pack, and the complete Escalation Calendar — built around the Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window.
Get the Fight-Back System — £27 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window?
The Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window is the six-month period after purchase during which UK law presumes any fault was present when you bought the goods. Under Section 19(14) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the retailer must prove the fault was not there at the point of sale — you do not need to prove it was. This reversal of the burden of proof is one of the most powerful consumer rights in UK law.
How do I invoke the 6-month presumption with my retailer?
You invoke it by writing to the retailer and explicitly stating that you are relying on Section 19(14) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Your letter should state the purchase date, when the fault appeared, and that the burden of proof rests with the retailer. Do not use a generic complaint letter — you need a window-calibrated letter that references the presumption directly.
Does the presumption still apply if I did not notice the fault straight away?
Yes. The presumption covers faults that appear at any point within the six months from purchase, not just at the moment of delivery. If you bought a product in January and noticed a fault in April, you are still within the Fault-at-Purchase Presumption Window and the presumption applies — provided you have not already accepted a repair or replacement that was supposed to have fixed the fault.
What happens after the 6-month window closes?
After six months, the burden of proof shifts back to you. You will typically need an independent inspection report to demonstrate the fault was present at purchase. Your Consumer Rights Act 2015 rights do not disappear — you have up to six years to bring a claim in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — but proving the fault becomes your responsibility. Acting within the six-month window is significantly easier.
Last verified: June 2026. Sources: Consumer Rights Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk), Citizens Advice, Which?. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.