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Appliance Installed Wrongly
If the shop installed an appliance, or arranged the installation, it is responsible for it being done properly. A badly fitted cooker, washing machine or wardrobe is a breach of your rights. You can require a repair or replacement, including re-installation, and the trader pays the necessary costs. If that fails, you can ask for a price reduction or reject the goods.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Installation
Shop-arranged Installation
If the shop agrees to install the item, or arranges the installation, it is responsible for the installation being done properly. A badly fitted cooker, washing machine or wardrobe is a breach of your rights, not just bad luck. source
Incorrect Installation
For incorrect installation by the trader, you can require a repair or replacement, including re-installation. If that fails, you can ask for a price reduction or use the final right to reject. The 30-day short-term right to reject does not apply to incorrect installation. source
Repair Costs
If you ask for a repair or replacement, the trader pays the necessary costs, including uninstalling and reinstalling. If you reject the goods for a refund, you may be able to claim for the cost of uninstalling and repairing damage. source
Your Own Installer
If you hire your own installer to fit goods you bought elsewhere, this is treated as a separate services contract, not part of the goods contract. Your claim is against the installer. source
The 30-Day Period
Where the contract includes installation, the 30-day period to reject other faults starts only after the trader has told you the installation is complete (Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 22). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Exceptions30-day short-term right to rejectDoes not apply to faults caused by incorrect installation
- 30 daysShort-term right to reject30 days from delivery, or less if the item would not normally last that long
- 6 monthsFault presumed to have been there at deliveryIf found within 6 months of delivery
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check who installed it: the shop, someone the shop arranged, or your own installer.
Step 2 of 5
Take photos of the problem and any damage it caused.
Step 3 of 5
Tell the shop in writing that it was installed incorrectly and ask for a repair or re-installation at its cost. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
If that fails, ask for a price reduction or reject the goods.
Step 5 of 5
If you hired your own installer, your claim is against the installer instead.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Retailer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and say which remedy you want.
Your Card or Credit Provider
If you paid by credit card or regulated buy now pay later and the shop will not put it right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The 30-day short-term right to reject does not apply to faults caused by incorrect installation.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- businesscompanion.info/sites/default/files/CRA-Goods-Guidance-for-Business-Sep-2015.pdf Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22 Checked 12 October 2026
- nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/what-do-if-problems-arise-supplied-goods Checked 12 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 12 October 2026