Implied Warranties: Quality Guarantees in Every Consumer Sale

Ontario's Sale of Goods Act sets out implied conditions and warranties in sales of goods, such as that goods are of merchantable quality and fit for the purpose you made known. The Consumer Protection Act makes these protections apply to consumer agreements and says they can't be waived.

What is implied

• Merchantable quality: the goods work as goods of that kind normally should.
• Fit for purpose: if you told the seller what you needed, the goods should do it.
• Matches description: goods match how they were described or the sample shown.

What isn't covered

• Ordinary wear and tear.
• Damage you caused.
• Defects you were told about before buying.

Used goods

Used goods still have to match their description and be reasonably usable for their age and price, though expectations are lower.

What to do

1. Contact the seller, in writing, with photos and the receipt.
2. Ask for a repair, replacement or refund.
3. If refused, a demand letter and then Small Claims Court are options.

Sources

• Sale of Goods Act (Ontario)
• Consumer Protection Act, 2002

Read next: Extended Warranties: What They Cover and How to Claim

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.