Faulty television set

Q: Eighteen months ago, I bought a 42" LCD television set. A few days ago it started turning itself off. The shop guarantee ran out six months ago. Am I still entitled to a free repair even though the commercial guarantee has expired?

A: Even though the commercial guarantee given to you at the time of purchase has expired, the legal

protection given to you by the Consumer Affairs Act is still valid. This legal protection is valid for two years from the date of delivery of the purchased product.

If the fault is due to a latent defect, legally you are still entitled to free repair or replacement.

However, since you have purchased the television set more than six months ago, you might have to prove that the TV was faulty at the time of purchase by, for instance, proving that the defect has neither been caused by you nor is it the result of normal wear and tear.

Should you need assistance, you may call the Consumer and Competition Division.