Identification

• Any Virginia resident who buys a stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer or other appliance typically receive a warranty with the product. If the item does not work properly during the warranty period, the manufacturer must make the necessary repairs at their expense. When this occurs multiple times, the product is called a "lemon." Consumers should always proceed as though they will need to file a claim. This means maintaining impeccable records detailing the product deficiencies, repairs performed and dates of service and pickup.
  
  

Considerations

• When many consumers find out they purchased a lemon appliance, they may only need to take the item back to the store and exchange it or even get a refund. Many stores have a "no questions asked" policy as part of maintaining a positive customer relation. Other establishments may require the consumer to resort to the manufacturer's warranty to resolve the issue.
  
  

Function

• The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides Virginia consumers legal recourse to receive compensation for defective appliances. Consumers must attempt to have the appliance repaired under the manufacturer warranty. Residents may receive a replacement item, a refund or cash compensation. If the manufacturer was deceptive or misleading in claims made about the appliance, the purchaser may obtain relief under Virginia's consumer protection statutes.