How long does a customer have to reject faulty goods?

Corven guide, 6 October 2026

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the short term right to reject goods lasts 30 days. After that, a price reduction or a final right to reject is generally available only once a repair or replacement has failed or is not available.

The 30 day short term right to reject

Section 22(3) sets the time limit for the short term right to reject at the end of 30 days beginning with the first day after ownership or possession has passed to the consumer, the goods have been delivered and, where the trader must install them, the trader has told the consumer that this has been done. Section 22(4) sets a shorter period for goods that can reasonably be expected to perish sooner. Under section 22(1), the right is lost once the time limit passes, unless the trader and the consumer agree it may be exercised later, and section 22(2) makes an agreement to cut the period short not binding on the consumer.

If the consumer asks for or agrees to a repair or replacement, section 22(6) stops the 30 days running while they wait.

After the 30 days

Section 24(5) allows a price reduction or the final right to reject, but only one of them, and only in one of three situations: the goods still do not conform after one repair or one replacement, the consumer cannot require repair or replacement because of section 23(3), or the trader has failed to repair or replace within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience to the consumer.

Under section 24(10), no deduction for the consumer's use of the goods may be made from a refund under the final right to reject in the first six months, unless the goods are a motor vehicle or of a description specified by order.

Why this belongs in your terms

Consumer terms should state these rights accurately, so that your returns process follows them.

This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales. It is not advice on your situation.