# Legal warranty: what to do when a purchase breaks

Canonical: https://ailawyer.be/en/droit-simplement/garantie-legale-achat-belgique/
Language: en
Publisher: Mashaah LLC / AILawyer.be
Published: 2026-09-27T11:00:00+02:00
Updated: 2026-09-27T11:00:00+02:00

Has a device stopped working or failed to match your order? Prepare a clear request to the seller before paying for repairs.

Sources consulted: 2026-09-27

## Understand the rule

For consumer goods bought privately from a professional seller, the legal warranty generally covers conformity defects appearing within two years of delivery. It is separate from a commercial warranty. Repair or replacement are the first remedies, subject to statutory conditions.



## Prepare your next steps


- Find the purchase receipt, delivery date and product description. Record when the defect appeared and how you used the item.
- Write to the seller, describe the problem, attach useful photographs and request the legal warranty. Keep copies of the correspondence.
- Ask for a written explanation if refused. Do not let a third party alter or repair the item before checking the consequences for your claim.


## Practical example

Fictional example: a washing machine for your home starts leaking after a few months. Photograph the leak and notify the seller with your receipt. A factual account helps distinguish a product defect from an installation issue.



## What to check

Business purchases, second-hand goods and private sales require separate assessment. Normal wear or damage caused by the user is not automatically covered.



### Should I contact the manufacturer?

The seller is responsible for the legal warranty. A manufacturer’s service may help, but does not remove the seller’s obligations.

## Sources

- [SPF Économie — Garantie légale](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/garantie/la-loi-sur-la-garantie)
- [SPF Économie — Questions fréquentes](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/garantie/questions-frequemment-posees)

General information, not personalised legal advice. Verify jurisdiction, applicable date and the primary source before acting.