Warranty Expired? The “6-Year Rule” Shops Don’t Want You to Know

You buy a £1,000 4K TV. Exactly 13 months later, the screen goes black. You take it back to the store, and the manager gives you the standard line:

“Sorry, it only came with a 1-year warranty. You’ll have to pay for repairs.”

Most people sigh, accept it, and pull out their wallet. Don’t. That shop manager is either lying or doesn’t know the law. In the UK, a “warranty” is just an extra perk. Your legal rights last much longer.

The Law: “Satisfactory Quality”

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says that all goods must be:

1. As described.

2. Fit for purpose.

3. Of satisfactory quality (which includes durability).

This is the key word: Durability. A reasonable person expects a £1,000 TV to last more than 366 days. If it breaks naturally after 13 months, it was not of satisfactory durability when sold. Therefore, the retailer (not the manufacturer) is liable to fix it.

• In England & Wales: You have up to 6 years to bring a claim.

• In Scotland: You have up to 5 years.

The “Sad Truth”: The Burden of Proof

Before you march into the shop demanding a refund, you need to know the rules.

• 0-6 Months Old: The law assumes the fault was there when you bought it. The shop must fix it unless they can prove you broke it.

• 6 Months – 6 Years Old: The tables turn. You must prove it is a manufacturing fault, not just wear and tear.

How do I prove it? You might need an independent report. Take the item to a local repair shop and ask for a written report (costing maybe £20-£30) stating:

“The component failed due to poor soldering/manufacturing defect. No signs of impact damage or misuse.” (Note: If you win, the retailer must refund the cost of this report too).

Who Do I Claim Against?

This is the most common mistake. Do not call Samsung, Apple, or Sony. Your contract is with the Retailer (Currys, John Lewis, Amazon, etc.). They took your money, so they must fix the problem. Don’t let them fob you off to the manufacturer.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim

• Find your receipt. (Bank statement works too).

• Get the report. (If the item is over 6 months old).

• Write to the Retailer. Use this template:

  “I bought this [Item] on [Date]. It has failed after [Time]. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality and durability. This fault was present at the time of purchase (see attached engineer’s report). I am requesting a repair or replacement.”

What if They Refuse?

If the shop ignores the law (which many do), you have two powerful backups:

1. Section 75 Claim: If you paid by Credit Card and the item cost over £100, the bank is jointly liable. They can refund you.

2. Small Claims Court: It costs surprisingly little to sue a company online. Often, just the threat of court action makes them pay up.

A Quick Story: Meet Alex

• The Problem: Alex bought a 55-inch TV for £800. Exactly 14 months later (2 months after the warranty expired), the screen went black.

• The Rejection: He took it back to the store. The manager said: “Sorry mate, warranty is up. We can repair it for £200.”

• The Fight: Alex knew his rights. He took the TV to a local repair shop and paid £30 for an independent report. The report confirmed it was a “mainboard failure” (a manufacturing defect), not accidental damage.

• The Win: Alex sent the report to the store’s Head Office quoting the Consumer Rights Act.

The Result: The store admitted liability. They repaired the TV for free and refunded Alex the £30 he spent on the report.

Summary: Don’t Bin It, Claim It

Electronics are built to last longer than a year.

1. Ignore the “Warranty” talk.

2. Quote the “Consumer Rights Act.”

3. Prove the fault.

(Sources: Citizens Advice – Product Faulty After 6 Months, Which? – Consumer Rights Act)