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County of Los Angeles |
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Signing or Co-Signing a Contract
You sign contracts for something you want to buy. Sometimes, however, you are asked to co-sign a contract to help someone else buy something or obtain a loan.
Signing a Contract
Before you sign a contract, do the following:
1. Understand the contract before you sign it.
2. Don’t sign if there are blank spaces.
3. Write all promises on the contract.
4. Make changes before signing.
5. Get a copy when you sign it.
1. Understand the contract
You have the right to understand a contract before you are asked to sign it. If there is something you don’t understand, ask for an explanation. If you have doubts about a purchase, go home and think it over. Don't be pressured into signing before you are ready. Statements that you must purchase today to get a good deal may not be true.
2. Never sign a contract with blank spaces
Cross out any blank spaces and any statements that do not apply to your purchase.
3. Get all promises in writing
If the seller has promised you something, make sure that it is written on the contract. If the seller won’t put it in writing, don't sign. Promises a salesperson makes should be written on the contract.
4. Make changes on the contract before signing
If you want to add or delete something to the contract, do it before you sign.
5. Get an exact copy
Get an exact copy of the contract when you sign it. Don't let them tell you that a copy will be mailed to you later.
Canceling a Contract
It can be very difficult to cancel a contract once you sign it, unless both parties agree.
You have a right to cancel a contract in the following situations:
- The seller lied about the product or service.
- You never got the product.
- The contract, or the law, allows you to cancel it within a certain time period.
For more information, see our brochure, Canceling a Contract.
Co-Signing a Contract
Sometimes, people without good credit may ask you to co-sign a contract so they can buy something or get a loan.
Think twice before you co-sign for someone else. If you co-sign, you are responsible for the entire debt. This means you will have to pay the full amount if the other person doesn’t pay, even if you did not receive the goods or services.
Before you co-sign for someone who is not your spouse, the business must give you a notice that you will be responsible for paying the debt if the other person doesn’t pay.
If the transaction is conducted in Spanish, the contract and the notice must also be in Spanish.
If the other person does not pay the debt, you can be sued and your wages and property may be taken.
A creditor does not have to try to collect from the other person before going after you. You may also have to pay late fees and collection costs.
If the debt is not paid on time, it will go on your credit report.
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