We bought a puppy from a breeder. After a few days it was very unwell and he took it the vet, to be told the pup had water on the brain, and was also underweight and may be blind in one eye. He recommended it would be kinder to put the animal down. We tried to get his money back from the breeder but were refused.

First of all, there may have been misrepresentation as to the state of the puppy – the breeder should have known of any health issues and his failure to advise of them may be in itself a breach of contract entitling you as buyers to your money back. You should also report this matter to your local authority as all professional dog breeders need to be licensed, and can be fined £2,500 or imprisoned, and/or de-licensed if they act unlawfully or ill-treat animals.

I have had my home on the market for the last five months. There have been a few prospective buyers who have agreed to buy the property and pulled out about two weeks before concluding missives. I have now had an invoice from estate agents for about £600 each time, I just wondered if this was normal practice.

Check your estate agency agreement document or contract. Estate agents usually only get a commission is the sale is completed. There may be additional advertising fees, but not of that magnitude. And if you are not sure where you stand, contact your solicitor and/or trading standards.

I got a packet of two shirts for my birthday as a present but they are not my size so do not fit (and frankly are not my style, too stripey ). I didn’t get the receipt wrapped up with the present package – do you think I can still return it? I have not taken either shirt out of the shop packaging and certainly not tried them on.

You have no legal right to return it – even if it/they don’t fit. If the store has a returns policy that is their choice but you can’t insist if there is nothing intrinsically wrong with the shirts themselves. Even if you are entitled to a return, without the receipt you would be struggling. As to style, I can give no advice.

I rent a flat and there has been a leak from my bathroom for ages. Duvet sheets have been destroyed, curtains damp, even my washing machine has failed due to water ingress. There are mushrooms on the ceiling, and I have become ill with the dampness. No-one, landlord or even MSPs seems to be listening to me. I am on benefits

If your house is not fit for habitation, or is not in tenantable order through structural defect, you are entitled to have repairs done, and sue the landlord to get them done. Also contact the local authority environmental health, and you should see a lawyer – you will be entitled to legal aid for at least preliminary advice or get a first free interview.