My understanding of warranties and having experience of dealing with matters via UK legislation, is that there is not a defined period of recourse. If you buy an item in the UK you have recourse under the sale of goods Act 1979 whereby goods have to
- as described
- of satisfactory quality
- fit for purpose
The phrase that was commonly used was that goods had to be of “merchantable quality”. So when considering how long a warranty is don’t be fooled by what the retailer tells you ie 1 year, 2 years etc. The question a judge would ask if it went to court is one of reasonableness. So ask yourself would I expect the goods to last that amount of time? So 30 days is not worth the paper its written on and even 1, 2 or 3 years can be challenged. Your recourse in law will always be with the retailer and not the manufacturer. Retailers will try to stick to their one, two year etc, but take my word for it you can challenge it if you do it the right way. I have managed to do so on more than one occasion. You cannot ask for a refund if you just change your mind and whether you are entitled to a refund or repair on faulty items will depend on how long you have had it. There are some extra provisions under the distance selling regulations if you change your mind within a set time. Don’t forget also that if you pay with a credit card and the total value is over £100 you will have recourse under the consumer credit Act whereby your credit card company are legally bound to act on your behalf where there is a problem. This will apply even if you only paid a deposit, provided the item total value is over 100. In summary warranties can be challenged no matter what their length are, provided it is deemed ‘reasonable’