Questions Answered On the Air:
I bought a new car a few months ago and it has been back to the dealer twice already for the same problem. At what point does the Lemon Law kick-in?
A few facts about our New and Leased Car Lemon Law. First, you certainly are within the timeframe for protection, which is one year or 15,000 miles of use from the date of delivery. The Lemon Law only covers serious defects, which substantially impair the car's use, market value or safety. Also, you have to allow the manufacturer or dealer a reasonable number of attempts (usually 3) to repair the defect or problem or the vehicle has to have been out of service for more than 15 business days. If this has already occurred and the manufacturer or dealer still hasn't made you whole with a refund or replacement car, you may qualify for a hearing process known as arbitration, which our Consumer Affairs office runs. If that's the case, give us a call at 888-283-3757.
The other day someone came to my home and sold me a vacuum cleaner. I felt completely pressured to buy it, and now I don't want it. What can I do?
If you make a purchase at a place other than a merchant's usual place of business, Massachusetts and federal law allows you three days to cancel. This rule applies to purchases of goods or services for over $25.
To cancel the contract, you must notify the seller in writing at the address given in the contract no later than midnight of the third business day after you signed the contract. You may deliver the notice or send it by regular mail or telegram. Within ten business days after receipt of your cancellation notice, the seller must return your payment. You must allow the seller to pick up the goods at your house, or if the seller requests and you agree, you may ship them at the seller's expense and risk. If the seller does not pick up the goods within 20 days of the notice of cancellation, then you may keep or dispose of them as you wish.
I received a pair of pantyhose that I did not order from a company named Silkies. Am I entitled to keep them free of charge?
If you receive merchandise that you did not order or request, you may consider the merchandise to be an unconditional gift. You may use or dispose of it as you wish without any obligation to the sender. Although you are not legally obligated, you may wish to notify the sender that you intend to keep the merchandise as a gift. This could help avoid possible problems, such as the sender trying to bill you for the merchandise, or it could help correct an honest error.
Questions Not Answered On the Air:
I recently closed an account with Chase bank. Yet, I still am getting bills from them. I have to go through the same process of canceling each month. What can I do? - Claire, Arlington
Every bank has its own process for closing an account. Make sure you have completed all the necessary steps to close out your account. If your Chase account is a credit card account, even though the account would be closed upon your cancellation, you would still get bills with the remainder of your credit card balance each month.
I always take my kids to play miniature golf. I have never been charged tax at a miniature golf course. I recently went to a new place, and was charged tax. Is that legal? - Lisa, Braintree
Please contact the Department of Revenue at 800-392-6089 for any questions concerning tax issues.
Can a veterinarian charge $10 over his estimated price, or can it be within 10% of his estimated price? - Julia, Malden
There is no specific law that speaks to this issue. There is an auto repair law, which states that if the price for performing the authorized repairs will exceed the original estimate by more than $10, a repair shop must notify you and obtain your permission before continuing the work. In this circumstance, I would look to the agreement you made with the veterinarian. You should be able to get the price that you contracted for with your vet.