What are my rights under the Consumer Credit Act?
Whether purchasing a product or a service, in-store or online, understanding your rights becomes even more crucial in an age where disputes have become common practice.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the goods should be:
- Satisfactory quality – The goods should be free from damage and/or fault.
- Described as advertised – The product or service must match what was advertised.
- Fit for purpose – The product or service should fulfil the purpose it was supplied for.
Common Disputes under the Consumer Credit Act
The most commonly occurring dispute is whether the product or service is of satisfactory quality. In this regard, the most complained about the product when it comes to consumer rights are used vehicles. Some of the most common products complained about for consumer credit-related disputes tend to be (but are not limited to):
- Conditional Sale Agreements
- Consumer Hire Agreements
- Credit Agreements
- Debt Respite Moratorium
- Exempt Agreements
- Hire-purchase agreements
- Regulated Activity
Which firms are most complained about?
Following the FCA date publication as of 16 April 2021, some of the most common firms complained about consumer credit-related disputes tend to be (but are not limited to):
- Next Retail Limited
- Provident Personal Credit Limited
- Amigos Loans Ltd
- HSBC UK Bank Plc
- Close Brothers Limited
- Shop Direct Finance Company Limited
- Experian Limited
- Volkswagen Financial Services (UK) Limited
- New Day Ltd
- Barclays Bank UK PLC
What are my timeframes to act?
There are various rights under the Consumer Credit Act.
- Consumer rights within 30 days of purchase – you have the right to reject for a full refund.
- Consumer rights after 30 days after 30 days of purchase – the right to reject has ended and the seller has discretion as to a repair/replacement.
- Consumer rights within 6 months – if a fault occurs, the assumption is that the product was faulty at the time of purchase. The seller can repair or replace the product. If both fail, you have the right to reject the goods. A full refund can be provided or a price reduction can be offered.
- Consumer rights after 6 months – it is for you to prove the product was faulty at the time of sale.
If you are unsure of a product/service you purchased, you should get in touch with us immediately, where we can navigate and assist you.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss that may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.
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