Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008

If you've signed up within the last seven days, and are unsure about the company and want to cancel, don't panic! Please read about a Government law which protects you in this situation.

On 1 October 2008 the Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 (the Regulations) came into force. The Regulations are aimed at traders who enter into a contract with a consumer at their home or workplace. They also cover contracts made at another individual's home or on an excursion organised by the trader away from their business premises.

The Regulations replace the 'Cancellation of Contracts Concluded Away from Business Premises Regulations 1987' and extend the law on cooling-off periods and cancellation rights for consumers. The Regulations cover contracts that are made during both solicited and unsolicited visits by traders. The Regulations will apply to all contracts with a total payment of more than £35 and they provide consumers with a minimum seven calendar day cooling off period and cancellation rights. The Regulations also require cancellation rights to be clearly and prominently displayed in any written contract or provided in writing if there is no written contract.

This means consumers have the safety net of a good cooling off period. It will also help to tackle underhand tactics used by rogues who take advantage of loopholes in the law.

If you wish to have further advice about a contract you have just signed, or for specific advice about any newly signed contract, please call us as soon as possible on 0800 0285809. Your enquiry will be dealt with in confidence and no company will be contacted in this regard.