Can I cancel a doorstep sales contract?

What the Law Says

The Consumer Rights Act 2022 gives consumers a legal right to cancel certain contracts made away from business premises — including at your home or workplace — commonly known as 'doorstep sales'. This right includes a clear cooling-off period and specific cancellation procedures.

A doorstep sale is any contract for goods or services made when a trader visits you at your home, workplace, or another location not their usual business premises — and the contract is signed during or shortly after that visit.

Under section 103 of the Consumer Rights Act 2022, you have the right to cancel such a contract within 14 days starting the day after the contract is made. You do not need to give a reason.

To cancel, you must give written notice to the trader — this can be by letter, email, or using a cancellation form if the trader provided one. The cancellation is effective the moment you send the notice.

Once cancelled, the trader must refund all payments within 14 days, and you must return any goods (at the trader’s expense, unless otherwise agreed).

Statutory Text

A consumer who enters into a distance contract or an off-premises contract has the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days beginning on the day after the day on which the contract was concluded.

— Consumer Rights Act 2022, s. 103 — Right to withdraw from off-premises and distance contracts

What to Do

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