CRA 2015 — Rights Beyond the 30-Day Window
Can You Reject Faulty Goods After 30 Days in the UK?
Yes — missing the 30-day window does not end your consumer rights. The short-term right to reject (immediate full refund) expires after 30 days, but under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you retain the right to require a repair or replacement under Section 23, and ultimately the final right to reject under Section 24 — which can result in a full or partial refund. Your rights continue until the 6-year limitation period expires.
What Rights Do You Have After the 30-Day Window Under CRA 2015?
Short-term right to reject
Full refund, no deduction for use. Strongest remedy. No obligation to accept a repair. This window closes at 30 days.
Right to repair or replacement
After 30 days, you can require the retailer to repair or replace the goods. They get one attempt. If it fails, causes significant inconvenience, or takes more than 30 days, you escalate to the final right to reject.
Final right to reject
After a failed repair or unavailable replacement, you can reject the goods and claim a refund. In the first 6 months, no deduction for use. After 6 months, a reasonable deduction may apply — but it cannot amount to a full denial of refund.
Limitation period expires
County court claims cannot be filed after this date. All other remedies also become practically unavailable. Act before this point.
Can the Retailer Deduct from Your Refund for Use of the Product?
This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of the final right to reject.
Within first 6 months
No deduction for use is permitted. You are entitled to a full refund of the price paid, regardless of how long you have had the product (within the 6-month window).
After 6 months
A reasonable deduction for use may apply. It must be proportionate — it cannot amount to a full denial of refund. A deduction that swallows the entire refund is unlawful.
Retailers sometimes use the deduction clause as a tool to offer minimal refunds. If a retailer proposes a deduction that seems excessive, challenge it. The deduction must reflect actual use and be reasonable — courts and ADR schemes will assess this objectively.
Do You Need to Prove the Fault Was There from the Start After 30 Days?
Within the first 6 months: no. The statutory presumption under CRA 2015 s.19(14) means the fault is presumed present at purchase — the retailer must prove otherwise.
After 6 months: yes. The burden shifts to you. You must show on the balance of probabilities that the fault was present at purchase (or that it developed from an inherent defect rather than misuse or normal wear and tear).
How to meet the burden of proof after 6 months:
- Commission an independent inspection from a qualified technician who can confirm the fault is a manufacturing defect
- Gather dated evidence showing the fault appeared early and was not caused by misuse
- Show that similar products have a known failure pattern (manufacturer recalls, known defects)
- Document the repair history — multiple failures of the same component suggest a manufacturing defect
An independent inspection report is the most powerful single piece of evidence after the 6-month window. The Fight-Back System includes guidance on how to commission one and what it must contain to be useful in a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still reject faulty goods after 30 days?
Yes. After 30 days, you have the right to require repair or replacement (CRA s.23). If that fails, you have the final right to reject (CRA s.24) for a full or partial refund. Your rights continue until the 6-year limitation period expires.
What is the final right to reject under CRA 2015?
The final right to reject under CRA 2015 s.24 activates after a repair or replacement has failed, is unavailable, or would cause significant inconvenience. It entitles you to a refund — with a possible deduction for use if you have owned the product for more than 6 months.
Can a retailer deduct from my refund for use of the product?
Yes, but only if you have owned the product for more than 6 months when exercising the final right to reject. In the first 6 months, no deduction is permitted. After 6 months, the deduction must be reasonable and proportionate — a deduction that denies you any refund at all is unlawful.
How long after purchase can I complain about a faulty product?
Up to 6 years from purchase under the Limitation Act 1980 (5 years in Scotland). After 6 months, the burden of proof shifts to you to show the fault was present at purchase. Independent inspection evidence is essential after the 6-month window.
Do I need proof the fault existed from the start to claim after 30 days?
Within the first 6 months, no — the statutory presumption applies. After 6 months, you must show on the balance of probabilities that the fault was present at purchase. Dated evidence, prompt reporting, and an independent inspection report are the most effective tools.
Related guides in this network:
Faulty Goods Fight-Back System
The 30 Days Have Passed. You Still Have Rights.
The Fight-Back System maps the complete post-30-day escalation path — repair/replacement demand, final right to reject, independent inspection guidance, and every letter template for each stage.
Get the Fight-Back System — £27One-time payment. Instant PDF download.