If your motorhome or RV purchased or leased in Santa Ynez has persistent defects that impair its use, value, or safety, California lemon law may provide remedies. Law Republic APC helps Santa Ynez owners understand their rights under state law and pursue refunds, replacements, or settlement when manufacturers fail to repair recurring defects. This guide explains the lemon law process for RVs and motorhomes, typical timelines, what evidence matters, and how local owners can preserve claims. We emphasize clear steps you can take now to protect your investment and move toward a resolution with confidence and practical legal support.
RV and motorhome claims often arise from repeated mechanical failures, electrical problems, or structural issues that make a vehicle unreliable or unsafe for travel and living. In Santa Ynez, documenting repairs, communications with dealerships, and warranty service records is essential to build a compelling case. Law Republic APC focuses on helping owners gather the right documentation, communicate properly with manufacturers, and evaluate settlement options. If your recreational vehicle continues to have the same covered defect despite multiple repair attempts, learning the protections available under California’s lemon law can be the first step toward a favorable outcome.
Lemon law protection can matter greatly for Santa Ynez RV and motorhome owners who depend on their vehicles for travel, family time, or full-time residency. When a manufacturer cannot fix a covered defect after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the law provides pathways to a refund, replacement, or cash settlement that compensates for diminished value. Pursuing these remedies preserves your financial interest and prevents ongoing safety and reliability risks. Working with a firm familiar with California lemon law increases the chance you will present a clear, organized case and receive fair consideration from the manufacturer or insurer.
Law Republic APC represents Santa Ynez residents in lemon law matters involving RVs, motorhomes, and large recreational vehicles. Our approach emphasizes strong documentation, careful review of warranty and purchase records, and direct negotiation with manufacturers to seek complete remedies. We combine practical legal strategy with attention to the unique ways RV defects affect daily life, such as lost travel plans, unsafe living conditions, and out-of-pocket repair costs. Our goal is to help clients pursue timely resolutions while minimizing stress and disruption caused by a persistent vehicle defect.
California’s lemon law applies to many motor vehicles, including certain RVs and motorhomes, when a new or certified pre-owned vehicle has substantial defects covered by warranty that the manufacturer fails to repair after a reasonable number of attempts. For Santa Ynez residents, this means an eligible recreational vehicle that repeatedly fails to function properly may be subject to a refund, repurchase, or replacement under state statutes. Key factors include whether the defect substantially impairs use, whether repairs occurred under warranty, and whether the vehicle has been out of service for extended periods due to covered conditions.
Establishing a lemon law claim for an RV requires careful attention to repair history, warranty coverage, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Santa Ynez owners should keep detailed records of service visits, repair orders, receipts, and any correspondence describing the problem. The more complete the record, the better the ability to show that the defect persisted despite repeated repair attempts. Consulting with a firm familiar with California procedures will help you evaluate whether your RV meets statutory criteria and whether negotiation, arbitration, or litigation is the best path forward.
An RV or motorhome can be considered a lemon under California law when it has a substantial warranty-covered defect that the manufacturer or authorized dealer cannot remedy after a reasonable number of repair attempts, or when the vehicle is out of service for extended cumulative days due to covered repairs. This definition focuses on how defects affect the vehicle’s safety, value, or use for its intended purpose. For Santa Ynez owners, assessing whether a defect is substantial often involves reviewing how it impacts travel safety, habitation systems such as plumbing or electrical, and whether recurring problems prevent normal use of the recreational vehicle.
A successful lemon law claim typically relies on clear proof of warranty coverage, consistent repair attempts, and documentation showing the defect persisted. The process usually begins with gathering repair records and warranty documents, then notifying the manufacturer and attempting to resolve the issue through negotiation or a manufacturer arbitration program. If necessary, a formal claim can proceed to a court action seeking a repurchase, replacement, or damages for diminished value and expenses. In Santa Ynez cases, prompt organization of records and timely communication with the manufacturer or dealer are essential to preserve legal rights.
This glossary explains common terms you will encounter in RV lemon law matters, helping Santa Ynez owners understand warranty language, repair records, and settlement documents. Reviewing these terms early makes it easier to identify whether your motorhome’s problems are covered and how to document them. Terms include warranty, manufacturer’s remedy, reasonable number of repair attempts, out-of-service days, repurchase, replacement vehicle, and diminished value. Becoming familiar with this vocabulary helps you follow the claim process and communicate effectively with manufacturers, dealers, and legal counsel.
A warranty is the promise from a manufacturer or dealer that certain components and systems will function properly for a specified time or mileage, and that covered defects will be repaired at no cost to the owner. For Santa Ynez RV and motorhome owners, warranty coverage determines which repairs the manufacturer is obligated to address. Warranties can be express in written form or implied by law, and different systems such as chassis, drivetrain, and habitation components may have separate coverage terms. Understanding the scope and duration of your warranty is a first step in evaluating a potential lemon law claim.
The manufacturer’s remedy refers to the actions the vehicle maker agrees to take when a defect arises, typically repairing the defect or arranging for repair by an authorized dealer at no cost. If the manufacturer cannot fix a covered problem after repeated attempts, the remedy may include repurchasing or replacing the vehicle under California law. Santa Ynez owners should document every repair attempt and the result so the manufacturer’s remedy obligation can be shown to have been invoked but ineffective, which is often a central element in pursuing further relief under the lemon law.
A reasonable number of repair attempts generally refers to multiple documented repair visits for the same defect within a warranty period, determined by the nature of the defect and the number of attempts needed to attempt a fix. For RVs and motorhomes in Santa Ynez, examples include several documented visits for persistent engine or electrical failures, or repeated efforts to fix habitability systems that fail to function. Courts and arbitration panels consider the severity, frequency, and duration of repairs to decide whether repair efforts meet the legal standard for a lemon law claim.
Out-of-service days are the cumulative days a vehicle is unavailable for use because of repair attempts for covered defects. California law sometimes uses a threshold of total out-of-service time to support a lemon law claim when repairs keep owners from using their RV or motorhome for extended periods. Santa Ynez owners should keep records of service appointments and dates the vehicle was left with a repair facility, as these entries help document the total downtime and demonstrate the practical impact of the defect on travel plans and daily living.
Santa Ynez owners facing ongoing RV or motorhome defects can consider several legal routes including informal negotiation, manufacturer arbitration programs, lemon law claims, and civil lawsuits for breach of warranty or unfair business practices. Informal resolution may be faster but less certain, while arbitration can be mandated by the manufacturer and provides a structured forum. Court actions may yield broader remedies but take longer. Choosing the right path depends on the nature of the defect, documentation quality, warranty terms, and how much time and resources you want to invest to pursue a full remedy.
A limited approach can work when the RV or motorhome problem is minor, clearly covered by warranty, and repair records show a single or small number of straightforward service visits that resolved the issue. For Santa Ynez owners, situations like a temporary sensor fault or a one-time repair that does not recur may be suitable for direct negotiation with the dealer for reimbursement of costs or a corrective repair without escalating to arbitration or court. Keep repair invoices, photographs, and written confirmations of the fix to support any settlement discussions.
A limited approach may also be appropriate when the manufacturer promptly acknowledges the problem and offers a satisfactory remedy such as a complete repair, reimbursement of reasonable expenses, or a goodwill settlement. If the offered remedy fully addresses the defect and compensates for inconvenience, Santa Ynez owners might choose to accept rather than pursue a formal lemon law claim. Before agreeing, document the terms in writing and confirm that accepted remedies will not waive your right to future claims for the same recurring defect, unless you decide that settlement is final and fair.
A comprehensive legal approach becomes important when repair attempts repeat without resolving the underlying defect, causing ongoing safety concerns, lost travel time, or significant repair expenses. For Santa Ynez owners, persistent electrical, engine, or habitation system failures that return after multiple repairs can justify pursuing lemon law remedies to secure a replacement or repurchase. A thorough legal strategy includes compiling complete records, assessing statutory deadlines, and exploring all available remedies to achieve a durable solution rather than temporary fixes.
When a defect substantially affects the RV’s safety, daily use, or market value, a comprehensive approach that pursues full legal remedies is often necessary. Santa Ynez owners facing recurring failures that render the RV unsafe for travel or unsuitable for habitation have strong reasons to seek repurchase or replacement under California law. A full legal review evaluates not only repair history but also economic losses, diminished value, and associated expenses such as towing or alternative accommodations, crafting a claim that addresses both practical and financial impacts.
A comprehensive strategy improves the chances of securing a full remedy by presenting a clear, organized case to the manufacturer, arbitration panel, or court. For Santa Ynez owners, detailed documentation, expert review of warranty provisions, and careful legal negotiation can increase leverage in settlement talks and reduce the risk of being offered an inadequate solution. Comprehensive preparation also helps identify the full scope of recoverable expenses, including repair costs, diminished value, and incidental losses caused by repeated vehicle failures, ensuring compensation considers the complete impact of the defect.
Taking a comprehensive path also often shortens long-term disruption by seeking a definitive resolution rather than repeated temporary repairs. In Santa Ynez cases, resolving a persistent RV or motorhome defect through a repurchase or replacement allows owners to move forward with travel plans and daily life without ongoing reliability concerns. Working with counsel who knows California lemon law procedures helps navigate arbitration timelines, statutory notices, and manufacturer programs so your claim proceeds efficiently toward the remedy you need.
A comprehensive approach builds a stronger evidentiary record that supports your claim and improves negotiating power. For Santa Ynez residents, assembling repair invoices, photos, service logs, and witness statements creates a persuasive narrative showing the defect’s recurrence and impact. This documentation helps counter manufacturer defenses and can lead to quicker, more favorable settlements. Thorough preparation also enables a realistic assessment of potential remedies and damages, ensuring that any settlement reflects both the vehicle’s impaired use and your financial losses from repeated downtime.
Comprehensive representation helps ensure statutory requirements and deadlines are met so you do not unintentionally forfeit legal rights. For Santa Ynez owners, missing a required notice period or failing to preserve key documentation can weaken a claim. A thorough process includes timely communications with the manufacturer, adherence to warranty and arbitration rules, and appropriate filings when necessary. Protecting these procedural elements increases the likelihood your case will be evaluated on its merits rather than dismissed on technical grounds.
Begin compiling thorough documentation as soon as a defect appears. For Santa Ynez owners, maintain a dedicated file with dated repair invoices, service orders, photographs of the malfunction, and any emails or letters with the dealer or manufacturer. Record dates the vehicle was unavailable for use and note any travel plans that were disrupted. Detailed, chronological records make it easier to demonstrate a pattern of recurring defects and to calculate out-of-pocket expenses, which strengthens your position when seeking a repurchase, replacement, or settlement under California law.
Contact legal counsel early in the process to evaluate whether your RV’s repeated failures meet statutory criteria and to preserve important deadlines and notices. For Santa Ynez owners, early legal review can help determine whether to pursue manufacturer arbitration, demand repurchase, or negotiate a settlement. Counsel can also advise on collecting evidence, calculating damages, and communicating with the manufacturer in a way that protects your claim. Early guidance may prevent procedural missteps and improve the chances of a timely and effective resolution.
Consider pursuing lemon law assistance when your RV or motorhome experiences repeated covered defects that significantly interfere with travel plans, daily living, or resale value. For Santa Ynez owners, ongoing electrical failures, persistent engine or transmission problems, or repeated habitability issues such as plumbing or heating failures can justify legal action. Representation helps organize records, negotiate with manufacturers, and pursue appropriate remedies, while reducing the time and stress associated with managing a complex claim on your own when repairs fail repeatedly.
Another reason to consider legal help is to address out-of-pocket costs and inconvenience caused by ongoing defects. Santa Ynez residents may incur towing expenses, alternative accommodations, and lost vacation time when an RV is in the shop repeatedly. A lemon law claim can seek reimbursement for reasonable expenses and compensation for diminished value brought on by an unresolved defect. Legal counsel can help quantify losses and present them effectively during settlement talks or in formal proceedings to secure fair compensation.
Typical scenarios prompting lemon law claims include repeated engine or transmission failures, chronic electrical system faults, persistent HVAC or plumbing problems, structural defects like roof leaks, and safety-related malfunctions such as brake or steering issues. In Santa Ynez, owners who face these kinds of recurring problems despite multiple repair attempts often find that warranty repairs are insufficient and that pursuing a lemon law remedy is necessary to obtain a reliable vehicle. Detailed service records and proof of continued malfunction are key ingredients in these claims.
Mechanical failures involving the engine, transmission, or drive components that recur after multiple repair visits can severely limit an RV’s usability and safety. Santa Ynez owners experiencing repeated breakdowns, stalling, or major drivability problems should document each repair attempt, including diagnostic findings and parts replaced. These records demonstrate the manufacturer’s inability to permanently correct the issue, a central element for pursuing lemon law remedies such as repurchase, replacement, or compensation for diminished value and related expenses.
Ongoing electrical malfunctions or failures of habitation systems like refrigerators, furnaces, or onboard wiring can render an RV unsafe or unlivable. For Santa Ynez residents, repeated service visits that fail to fix these systems often justify a lemon law claim, especially when the defect affects daily functioning. Keep detailed records of symptoms, service reports, and any safety warnings. Such documentation helps establish that multiple attempts to repair the defect have been unsuccessful and that relief under California law may be warranted.
Structural defects such as roof leaks, compromised seals, or water intrusion can cause ongoing damage and health concerns if not resolved, affecting both the value and safety of the RV. Santa Ynez owners should document occurrences of water damage, repair estimates, and any repeated attempts to address leaks. Demonstrating that the manufacturer or dealer could not permanently repair these habitability issues after multiple attempts supports a claim for repurchase or replacement under lemon law statutes, particularly when living conditions are seriously impacted.
Law Republic APC is available to review the details of your RV or motorhome concerns and advise on whether California lemon law applies to your situation. For Santa Ynez residents, an initial review will focus on warranty coverage, repair history, and the practical effects of the defect on use and safety. We provide straightforward guidance about potential remedies and the likely path forward, whether that involves negotiating with the manufacturer, participating in arbitration, or filing a formal claim. Call 818-532-5323 to discuss your case and preserve important records today.
Law Republic APC approaches RV lemon law matters with careful case preparation and a focus on client communication. For Santa Ynez owners, we prioritize organizing repair records, advising on required notices, and evaluating manufacturer responses to ensure your claim is presented effectively. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and help you pursue the remedy that best addresses the ongoing defect, whether that is a repurchase, replacement, or a settlement that compensates for loss of value and out-of-pocket costs.
We also work to manage the practical aspects of a claim so you can focus on travel plans and daily life. For clients in Santa Ynez, that often includes guiding how to document future repairs, negotiating timelines for manufacturer responses, and keeping you informed at every stage. Clear communication and a methodical approach to building the claim are key to achieving an efficient resolution and minimizing further disruption caused by a problematic RV or motorhome.
Finally, Law Republic APC helps clients evaluate settlement offers against the realistic outcomes achievable through arbitration or litigation, ensuring you understand tradeoffs before accepting any resolution. Santa Ynez owners receive candid assessments of risks and benefits, an organized record for negotiations, and practical steps to preserve legal rights. If you decide to proceed, we will pursue a tailored strategy designed to secure the remedy that addresses the full impact of the defect on your vehicle and lifestyle.
Our process begins with a focused review of your purchase or lease contract, warranty documents, and repair records to determine whether your RV or motorhome likely meets California lemon law criteria. For Santa Ynez owners, we then advise on the next steps, which can include sending a formal demand to the manufacturer, participating in arbitration if required, or preparing a lawsuit when necessary. Throughout the process we emphasize efficient communication, preservation of evidence, and proactive negotiation aimed at achieving a complete and fair remedy for your vehicle’s recurring defects.
The first step is a thorough review of all relevant paperwork and repair history to determine whether a claim is viable and which remedies may be available. For Santa Ynez owners, this review includes inspection of written warranties, purchase agreements, maintenance records, and correspondence with dealers or the manufacturer. We also assess timelines for statutory notices and any arbitration requirements. A clear, organized record at this stage is essential to support further action and to calculate potential damages for diminished value and out-of-pocket expenses.
Collect repair invoices, service orders, diagnostic reports, and any photographs or videos of the defect. For Santa Ynez clients, records should show dates the vehicle was brought in for service, what repairs were attempted, and whether the defect persisted after repairs. Also preserve emails and written communications with the dealer or manufacturer, as these documents can show attempts to resolve the issue and any admissions from service personnel that the problem recurred.
Examine the express warranty terms, including limits, required service providers, and any arbitration clauses the manufacturer may impose. For Santa Ynez owners, understanding these contractual provisions helps determine whether arbitration is mandatory and what remedies the warranty contemplates. We evaluate whether the warranty covers the defective systems and whether the repair attempts were performed according to warranty requirements, which is important to establishing entitlement to lemon law remedies.
After documentation is gathered, we typically send a formal demand letter to the manufacturer outlining the defect history and requesting repurchase, replacement, or an appropriate settlement. For Santa Ynez owners, this step often encourages a manufacturer to engage in meaningful negotiation to avoid arbitration or litigation. If the manufacturer participates, we pursue a settlement that fairly compensates for diminished value and expenses; if not, we evaluate arbitration or court filings based on the strength of the documented claim.
A clear demand summarizes repair attempts, the defect’s impact, and the remedy sought. For Santa Ynez clients, we craft a concise presentation of the evidence so the manufacturer can understand the scope of the problem and the basis for repurchase or replacement. This communication also signals that you are prepared to pursue formal remedies if a fair settlement is not offered, which often motivates productive negotiations and can shorten the time to resolution.
During negotiations, we evaluate the manufacturer’s offers against potential outcomes in arbitration or court, considering repair history, diminished value, and out-of-pocket costs. For Santa Ynez owners, settlement can provide a faster resolution and less disruption when it fully addresses both current repairs and the diminished value of the RV. We advise on when an offer is fair and when to continue pursuing stronger remedies through formal proceedings if necessary.
If negotiations do not yield a satisfactory result, the claim may proceed to manufacturer arbitration or court litigation depending on contract provisions and strategy. For Santa Ynez owners, arbitration can be quicker but may impose limits; litigation can provide broader remedies but may take longer. We prepare a case file for the chosen forum, present evidence of repeated repair attempts and the defect’s impact, and advocate for a remedy that includes repurchase, replacement, or fair compensation for diminished value and related expenses.
Preparing for arbitration involves compiling an organized exhibit binder, written witness statements, and clear demonstration of the repair history and downtime. For Santa Ynez clients, we present the chronology of defects, document repairs and their outcomes, and summarize economic impacts. Effective presentation in arbitration can produce a favorable award without the time and expense of a full court trial, depending on the manufacturer’s program and the strength of the evidence.
When arbitration is unavailable or insufficient, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to secure full remedies. For Santa Ynez owners, litigation involves formal pleadings, discovery to obtain manufacturer records, and potential trial. This path can address broader claims such as breach of warranty and statutory damages. While litigation can be longer, it may lead to comprehensive relief when repairs have repeatedly failed and negotiations or arbitration do not provide adequate compensation.
Many RVs and motorhomes can be covered by California lemon law when the vehicle has a substantial defect covered by warranty that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. Eligibility depends on whether the defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety and whether repairs occurred under an applicable warranty. For Santa Ynez owners, the nature of the defect, the number and timing of repair attempts, and warranty terms all factor into whether the law applies. To determine if your RV qualifies, gather repair records, warranty documents, and correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer. Presenting these materials to counsel or a qualified reviewer allows for an assessment of likely remedies such as repurchase, replacement, or compensation for diminished value and expenses. Early documentation and timely action improve the prospects of a successful claim.
You should keep every repair invoice, service order, diagnostic report, and warranty paperwork related to your RV or motorhome. For Santa Ynez owners, record the dates the vehicle was taken for service, descriptions of the symptoms, work performed, parts replaced, and whether the problem persisted afterward. Photographs or videos showing the defect, and any written communications with the dealer or manufacturer, are also valuable. Additionally, document any out-of-pocket expenses, towing invoices, alternate accommodations, and time lost due to repairs. A clear, chronological file demonstrating recurring problems and disruptions strengthens your position in negotiations, arbitration, or court and helps quantify any compensation for expenses and diminished value.
Resolution time varies depending on whether the claim settles in negotiation, goes to manufacturer arbitration, or proceeds to litigation. For Santa Ynez owners, straightforward settlements can occur in weeks to a few months when the manufacturer responds cooperatively, while arbitration commonly takes several months. Litigation generally requires a longer timeframe, potentially a year or more depending on court schedules and the complexity of the case. Starting with thorough documentation and prompt legal evaluation can shorten the effective timeline by avoiding procedural missteps and focusing on the most efficient forum for your claim. Early engagement often leads to faster, more predictable outcomes and reduces prolonged disruption from repeated repairs.
Available remedies commonly include repurchase of the vehicle at a refund of the purchase price minus a reasonable allowance for use, replacement with a comparable vehicle, or monetary compensation for diminished value and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The precise remedy depends on the facts of the case, repair history, and statutory provisions. For Santa Ynez owners, remedies aim to restore you to a position similar to where you would have been without the defective vehicle. A successful claim can also include reimbursement for towing, rental vehicles, and other expenses directly caused by repeated failures. We evaluate the full scope of economic loss when negotiating a settlement or presenting a claim so that compensation reflects both the vehicle’s diminished value and the practical costs you incurred.
California lemon law can apply to new, demonstrator, and certain used vehicles still covered by an express warranty, as well as leased vehicles during the effective warranty period. For Santa Ynez residents, leased RVs may qualify for remedies under the lease and warranty terms, and used RVs with existing manufacturer warranties can also be covered if the defect falls within warranty scope. Each case requires careful review of the warranty and lease agreements to determine coverage. If you purchased a used RV without remaining warranty coverage, other legal claims such as breach of contract, misrepresentation, or state unfair practice laws may offer remedies. An early review of documentation helps determine which legal avenue is most appropriate to recover losses related to a defective vehicle.
Whether your case goes to court depends on the manufacturer’s response and any arbitration requirement in your warranty or purchase contract. Many manufacturers have arbitration programs that are used to resolve claims without court litigation, which can be quicker but may have procedural limits. For Santa Ynez owners, arbitration is often a practical route if it provides appropriate remedies, but we will consider litigation when arbitration is unavailable or unlikely to achieve a full remedy. If litigation is necessary, we prepare the case thoroughly, including discovery and presentation of evidence. Litigation can offer broader remedies in some situations, and a well-documented claim strengthens your position in either forum. We will advise on the best path based on your situation and the likely outcomes.
You may be able to recover reasonable travel, lodging, and towing expenses directly caused by repeated repairs to a defective RV. For Santa Ynez owners, keeping receipts and records of such costs is critical to demonstrating the financial impact of the defect. These recoverable expenses are typically presented alongside claims for diminished value and other direct losses resulting from the manufacturer’s inability to resolve the issue. When negotiating or litigating, we calculate reasonable out-of-pocket costs attributable to the recurring defect and present supporting documentation. This ensures that settlements or awards reflect both the inconvenience and the financial burden incurred while the RV was repeatedly out of service.
If the manufacturer argues you did not follow warranty instructions, documentation proving compliance with required maintenance and authorized repairs is important. Santa Ynez owners should keep service records showing required maintenance and any warranty-prescribed service performed at authorized facilities when necessary. Demonstrating that repairs were handled in accordance with warranty terms undermines manufacturer defenses based on alleged failure to follow instructions. When disputes arise over compliance, we review the warranty language and repair history to show that service was performed appropriately or to explain why deviations were reasonable. Clear records of service and communications with the dealer support your claim and counter arguments that procedural missteps justify denying a remedy.
Diminished value is the reduction in market value that a vehicle experiences after persistent defects or a history of unrepaired issues, and it can be a component of a lemon law claim. For Santa Ynez owners, calculating diminished value involves evaluating the vehicle’s pre-defect market worth versus its value given the ongoing problem and repair history. Appraisals, comparable sales of similar vehicles, and expert assessments can help quantify this loss. We assemble the evidence supporting a diminished value claim, including repair invoices, market comparisons, and any appraisals, and present these materials during negotiation or in formal proceedings. A well-documented diminished value claim helps ensure that settlements or awards account for the long-term economic harm caused by an unresolved defect.
To start a consultation with Law Republic APC about an RV lemon law matter in Santa Ynez, gather your purchase or lease agreement, warranty documents, and all service records, then call 818-532-5323 or submit an inquiry through our website. We will review your materials and provide an initial assessment of whether California lemon law likely applies to your motorhome or RV and discuss potential next steps tailored to your situation. During the consultation we explain the documentation needed, potential remedies, and the likely timeline based on your facts. Early review helps preserve deadlines and ensures your file is organized so we can pursue negotiation, arbitration, or litigation efficiently if necessary.
