Can I cancel a contract for home improvements made during a doorstep visit?

What the Law Says

The law gives you special protection when you enter into a contract for goods or services during an unsolicited visit to your home — known as 'off-premises contracts'. This includes home improvement agreements signed during doorstep visits.

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you have a legal right to cancel such contracts without giving a reason.

The trader must give you clear, written information about your cancellation rights before you agree to the contract. If they fail to do so, the cancellation period is extended to 12 months from the original deadline.

You must cancel in writing — email or letter is acceptable — and keep proof of sending. The trader must refund all payments within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice.

Statutory Text

The consumer has the right to cancel the contract within 14 days beginning with the day after the day on which the consumer receives the goods or, in the case of a service contract, the day on which the contract is concluded.

— Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, reg. 29(1) — Right to cancel

Statutory Text

Where the trader fails to provide the required information… the cancellation period is extended to 12 months from the end of the initial cancellation period.

— Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, reg. 31(2) — Extension of cancellation period

What to Do

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