I discovered a hidden defect after I bought the item — can I still return it (redhibition)?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Yes, within a short window. The Civil Code makes the seller liable for hidden defects in the thing sold — those that make it unfit for its intended use, or reduce its fitness so much that you would not have bought it (or would have paid less) had you known (Art. 1561). The seller is liable even if he did not know about the defect (Art. 1566). Your choice is to withdraw from the sale and get your money back (the redhibitory action) or keep the item and demand a proportionate reduction of the price, with damages in either case (Art. 1567). Crucially, this action is barred after six (6) months from the delivery of the thing sold (Art. 1571) — so act quickly. This is separate from, and can run alongside, your Consumer Act (RA 7394) remedies.
Primary sources
Frequently asked
How long do I have to act on a hidden defect?
The redhibitory action under the Civil Code is barred after six (6) months from the delivery of the thing sold (Art. 1571). The period runs from delivery, not from when you discovered the defect, so raise it promptly.
Is the seller off the hook if he didn't know about the defect?
No. Under Art. 1566 the seller is liable for hidden faults even if he was unaware of them, unless the contrary was validly stipulated and he was genuinely in good faith.
What can I demand for a hidden defect?
Under Art. 1567 you may either withdraw from the contract and recover the price (redhibitory action) or keep the item and demand a proportionate price reduction, with damages in either case.
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Your rights when something you bought is defective — the repair, replacement, or refund a seller owes you under the Consumer Act (RA 7394, Arts. 68 and 100), why a blanket "No Return, No Exchange" sign is illegal (a deceptive sales act the DTI prohibits), the free implied warranty you get even without a warranty card (60 days to 1 year on new products), hidden defects discovered after purchase and the 6-month redhibition action under the Civil Code (Arts. 1561, 1566, 1567, 1571), the Price Tag Act rule that you cannot be charged more than the displayed tag (Art. 81), the Philippine Lemon Law (RA 10642) for a brand-new car with the same defect after 4 repair attempts within 12 months or 20,000 km, defective services, manufacturer vs seller liability, and how to file a DTI complaint. This cluster is about legitimate purchases that turn out defective — online-shopping fraud and fakes live in the Scams & Online Fraud cluster.