County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs Information Sheet

Canceling a  Contract

How to Cancel a Contract

You usually cannot cancel a contract, but there are times when you can. You can cancel some contracts within certain time limits.

Some contracts must tell you about your right to cancel, how to cancel them, and where to send the cancellation notice. To protect yourself, do not sign a contract before reading and understanding it.

Time-period cancellations

Many contracts give you a number of days to change your mind. The following is a listing of these by the length of time you have to cancel.

3 days to cancel:

Purchases of $25 or more made at your home or away from the seller’s normal place of business.

Contracts for health clubs (up to $1000), dating services, weight loss programs, vacation time-shares, employment agencies, immigration consultants, camping memberships, discount buying services, and foreclosure consultants.

5-days to cancel:

• Credit repair
• Vocational school courses.
• Health club contracts over $1000 (see Health Club tip sheet for special rights on contracts over $1500)

7-days to cancel:

• “Personal emergency response units” that are not part of a separate alarm system.

10-days to cancel:

• Credit life or credit disability insurance
• Pre-paid talent agencies.

30-days to cancel:

• Service contracts for home appliances, electronic products, or used cars.

You can also cancel these contracts after 30 days, but you will get only some of your money back.

60-days to cancel:

• Service contracts on a new car.

You can cancel a service contract after 60 days and receive a partial refund.

6-months to cancel:

• Dance studio lessons.

Other types of cancellations

You can cancel a contract for other reasons, including the following:

• Unfair Practices: If the seller lies to you about a major fact of the product or service, you may be able to cancel the contract. You may also cancel a contract if the seller fails to do what he promised.
• Minors: Most contracts signed by someone under 18 years of age may be canceled.
• Car Sales: The contract can be cancelled if the seller cannot get    financing for the vehicle.
• Refund Policies: Stores must honor their refund policies. Stores that do not tell you their refund policy in advance have to give you a cash refund if you return the item within seven days with your receipt.
• Professional Licensing: Persons required to have a professional license, such as attorneys and contractors, cannot enforce a contract if they are not licensed.

Protect yourself

To cancel a contract, take the following steps:

• Make sure you send the cancellation notice within the time allowed.
• Always cancel in writing. You can use the cancellation form or send a letter.
• Keep a copy of your cancellation notice or letter.
• Send your cancellation notice by certified mail, return receipt.

Contact us for more information or speak with one of our counselors at (800) 593-8222.  If you live outside of Southern California, call us at (213) 974-1452.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within LA County)
web site: dca.lacounty.gov