Letter to warn trader about court action for faulty goods by Citizens Advice
The Citizens Advice template letter before court claim for faulty goods helps consumers request a refund and sets out their intent to pursue legal action. It is part of Citizens Advice’s widely trusted library of open, lawyer-vetted letter templates.
Letter before court claim for faulty goods
[sender name]
[sender line address 1]
[sender line address 2]
[sender email]
[sender phone]
[recipient name]
[recipient line address 1]
[recipient line address 2]
[letter date]
To whom it may concern,
Re: [product description]
I have not received a reply to my letter dated [previous letter date] regarding the faulty goods which I bought from you on [purchase date]. The letter explained what is wrong with the goods and why I am entitled to a refund.
I am once again requesting a full refund of the purchase price of [purchase price] on the grounds that the goods were not of satisfactory quality under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. I enclose a copy of the proof of purchase.
I would like a reply as soon as possible so that I know you have received this letter. If you don't agree to the refund, could you please then send me a detailed response saying why you don't agree.
To avoid taking court action, I am willing to use Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve this problem.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response from you within [number of days] days of the date of this letter, I intend to issue proceedings against you in the county court without further notice. This may increase your liability for costs.
I refer you to the Practice Direction on pre-action conduct under the Civil Procedure Rules, and in particular to paragraph 13-16 which sets out the sanctions the court may impose if you fail to comply with the Practice Direction.
I look forward to your acknowledgement.
Yours faithfully,
[sender name]
Enc: copy of proof of purchase
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About this template
What is this template?
This is a formal letter before claim that complies with the Practice Direction on pre-action conduct. It specifically addresses faulty goods and is not a generic debt collection letter. It contains a field for a specific deadline for response and a reference to Alternative Dispute Resolution.
When should you use it?
Use this letter after a trader has failed to respond to an initial request for a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Use a standard 'Letter of Complaint' instead if this is the first time you are contacting the trader about the fault.
Who it's for
- a consumer seeking a refund for goods not of satisfactory quality
- an individual who has already sent a previous letter without receiving a reply
- a claimant preparing to issue proceedings in the county court
- a party offering Alternative Dispute Resolution to avoid litigation
How long it runs and how it's signed
Law it's drafted under
England & Wales note
This version is drafted for England & Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland differ on some points — for example notice periods and tribunal procedure. Tell GitLaw where you hire and it adjusts the draft.
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