When you pay for a repair, you are buying a service. In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out what you can expect from services, alongside any warranty the repairer offers.
What the law expects
- The service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill
- What the business tells you, and relies on, can form part of the contract
- If no price was agreed, the price should be reasonable
- If no time was agreed, the work should be done within a reasonable time
If something is not right
If a repair was not carried out with reasonable care and skill, you can usually ask for the work to be done again. If that is not possible, or not done within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to a price reduction.
How a repair warranty fits in
Many repair businesses offer their own warranty on the part fitted and the work done. The length and terms vary, so ask before the repair. A warranty is in addition to your legal rights, not instead of them. If the same fault returns, contact the business that did the repair.
Get independent advice
This article is general information, not legal advice. For guidance on a specific situation, Citizens Advice offers free consumer help.
