What unfair practices are specifically banned by the CLRA?

What the Law Says

The California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) explicitly lists deceptive and unfair practices that businesses may not engage in when selling goods or services to consumers.

The CLRA prohibits 23 specific acts — ranging from false advertising and misrepresenting the source or quality of goods, to omitting material facts that would mislead a reasonable consumer. These practices apply to sales, leases, and solicitations directed at consumers for personal, family, or household use.

Businesses must also avoid representing used goods as new, claiming a product has benefits it lacks, or advertising a price without disclosing that additional fees or conditions apply. Importantly, if a business violates the CLRA, a consumer may sue — but must first give the business a chance to correct the violation, unless the violation is willful or involves fraud.

The law allows for injunctive relief, actual damages, and statutory damages up to $5,000 per violation — plus attorney’s fees — if the consumer prevails. A business has 30 days to cure certain violations after receiving a written notice before a lawsuit can proceed.

Statutory Text

The following unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by any person in a transaction intended to result or which results in the sale or lease of goods or services to any consumer are unlawful: (a) Passing off goods or services as those of another.

— Cal. Civ. Code § 1770(a)(1) — Unlawful practices

Statutory Text

(k) Representing that a part, replacement, or repair service is needed when it is not.

— Cal. Civ. Code § 1770(k) — Unlawful practices

Statutory Text

(q) Advertising goods or services with intent not to sell them as advertised.

— Cal. Civ. Code § 1770(q) — Unlawful practices

Statutory Text

No action for damages may be brought under this chapter… unless the consumer notifies the person in writing… of the alleged violation… and the person fails to correct the violation within 30 days.

— Cal. Civ. Code § 1782(a) — Notice and cure requirement

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