IrelandI signed a contract with unfair terms. Can they be voided?
Yes, unfair terms in consumer contracts can be declared void under the Consumer Rights Act 2022. They have no legal effect and cannot bind you.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 protects consumers from unfair terms in standard form contracts. Section 132 sets out when a term is considered unfair — and what happens if it is.
An unfair term in a consumer contract is not binding on the consumer. This means the term has no legal effect, even if you signed the contract.
A term is unfair if it creates a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations to the detriment of the consumer — and if it is contrary to good faith.
This protection applies only to contracts between a trader and a consumer (not business-to-business contracts). It covers standard form contracts where the consumer had little or no opportunity to negotiate the terms.
Statutory TextAn unfair term in a consumer contract shall not be binding on the consumer.
— Consumer Rights Act 2022, s. 132 — Unfair terms in consumer contracts
What to Do
Check if the contract is with a trader and you are acting as a consumer (not for business purposes).
Review the term: does it cause a significant imbalance and lack transparency or fairness?
Raise the issue with the trader — point to section 132 of the Consumer Rights Act 2022.
If unresolved, contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for advice or assistance.
In court proceedings, a judge may declare the term void — you do not need to go to court first to challenge it informally.
Sources
Same Question, Other Jurisdictions
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US-New YorkNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.