Q: A year ago I purchased a sink and a cabinet for my bathroom. After using it for about seven months, the sink basin started to chip and the cabinet also became defective.

I spoke to the seller and he agreed to replace the sink and a part of the cabinet. I also asked him to pay the expenses of the installation of the new sink, but he refused. He told me he does not do installation and insisted he would only deliver the new sink and cabinet.

I insisted he should also cover the costs of removing the old sink and installing the new one. Why should I incur these extra expenses when it is clearly not my fault that the sink is defective? Am I right in making such a request?

A: Since the need to replace the sink is not your fault but was the result of a defect in the sink, you are legally entitled to request that any extra expenses incurred in removing the old sink and installing the new one are covered by the seller.

Should you not manage to reach an amicable solution with the seller, you may lodge a complaint with the Office for Consumer Affairs at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.