How to cancel a contract in the cooling-off period?

Asked by: Shaina Howe  |  Last update: January 27, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (18 votes)

To cancel a contract during the cooling-off period, send a written cancellation notice (or use the provided form) to the seller via certified mail, ensuring it's postmarked within the specified timeframe (often three business days for FTC rules, but check state laws for other contracts like timeshares, health clubs, or mortgages), clearly stating you're canceling and including your details, and keep copies for proof.

Can you cancel during a cooling-off period?

The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant. The Rule also applies when you invite a salesperson to make a presentation in your home.

How soon can you cancel a contract after signing it?

Cooling-off Rule is a rule that allows you to cancel a contract within a few days (usually three days) after signing it. As explained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal cooling-off rules gives the consumer three days to cancel certain sales for a full refund.

Can I cancel a contract after the cooling-off period?

Minimum cooling-off period

Make sure you check the terms and conditions in case they've given you more time to change your mind - many choose to do so. Your cancellation rights after the 'cooling-off' period are the same as if you'd arranged the work while on the business's premises.

How do I cancel my cooling-off period?

Ask for a cancellation form, (ask over the phone or in person for the sake of expediency, but follow up in writing sent in a manner that leaves a record, if possible).

When Can You Use A Cooling-off Period To Cancel A Contract? - Consumer Laws For You

39 related questions found

Can I cancel my 3 contract within 14 days?

3.2 If you bought your contract or upgrade through Three.co.uk or Three Telesales or Three Customer Services you may cancel your agreement within 14 days of us connecting you (Returns Period). If you use any Services prior to cancellation you may be charged for them.

What happens if I change my mind after signing a contract?

You can't simply “unsign” a contract once it's binding: After all parties have signed, contracts are enforceable by default—but termination rights, cooling-off periods, or mutual agreement can still provide a lawful exit.

What are 6 things that void a contract?

We'll cover these terms in more detail later.

  • Understanding Void Contracts. ...
  • Uncertainty or Ambiguity. ...
  • Lack of Legal Capacity. ...
  • Incomplete Terms. ...
  • Misrepresentation or Fraud. ...
  • Common Mistake. ...
  • Duress or Undue Influence. ...
  • Public Policy or Illegal Activity.

How do I legally cancel a contract?

To cancel a contract, take the following steps:

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

Can you cancel a contract you just signed?

Yes, you can cancel a contract you just signed if there's a cooling-off period or if the contract was signed under misrepresentation, duress, or undue influence.

Do you have 72 hours to back out of a contract?

The 72-hour contract law allows consumers the right to cancel a contract during what is referred to as a "cooling off" period. The timeframe for canceling is usually 72 hours, which means a consumer has until midnight after the third day the contract is signed.

How do I get out of a contract I signed?

No matter the case, mutual agreement to cancel the contract is often the most amicable way to end it. If you reach an agreement, make sure to have the other party sign a document stating the terms of your cancellation so you are both protected from any future legal action.

What is the cooling off rule?

The Cooling Off Rule provides that it is unfair and deceptive for sellers engaged in “door-to-door” sales valued at more than $25 to fail to provide consumers with disclosures regarding their right to cancel the sales contract within three business days of the transaction.

Does the 14-day cooling-off period apply to everything?

For most goods or services, you should be given a cooling-off period of at least 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Cooling-off periods don't apply to purchases or services bought from a private individual. When the 14-day cooling period starts depends on whether the contract is for goods or a service.

Do I have 48 hours to cancel a contract?

You can cancel certain contracts within three days of signing—especially those signed off-site, like at your home or a trade show. The federal "cooling-off" rule and other laws protect buyers of home improvement loans, home equity loans, and delayed purchases.

Can you cancel a contract right after signing?

You generally cannot cancel a signed contract easily, as it's legally binding, but you might be able to if there's a specific "cooling-off period" (like for some door-to-door sales, timeshares, or home loans), a termination clause in the contract, mutual agreement, or if the other party significantly breached the terms, committed fraud, or there was mutual mistake. For most standard agreements, cancelling without cause means you'll likely face financial penalties or be in breach of contract, so checking contract terms or seeking legal advice is crucial. 

Is there a way to get out of a signed contract?

You can get out of a binding contract under certain circumstances. There are seven key ways you can get out of contracts: mutual consent, breach of contract, contract rescission, unconscionability, impossibility of performance, contract expiration, and voiding a contract.

What is a valid reason to terminate a contract?

You need clear grounds and the right process: Contracts can be terminated for cause (e.g. breach) or for convenience, but only if the contract or the law allows it—and notice must be given exactly as specified.

Can I pull out of a signed contract?

If you have evidence of misrepresentation, mistake, duress, or a fundamental legal problem with the contract, this could provide grounds to walk away. But disputes over void or voidable contracts often end up in court-so get legal advice first.

What are four types of mistakes that can invalidate a contract?

However, being aware of the four vices that can void a contract — duress, undue influence, misrepresentation, and mistake — is crucial for ensuring that your agreements are legally enforceable and that your rights are protected.

What makes a contract not legally binding?

An Unenforceable Contract Might Have Been Signed Under Duress. The parties to a contract should be signing it voluntarily. However, one party might force another person to sign a contract. The act of forcing someone to do something they ordinarily would not do is duress.

How do I break a contract?

The best way to end a contract early is to speak with the party you're in contract with. Simple negotiation is often all it takes to reach a favorable resolution. If they don't agree to ending the contract early, consider getting a lawyer to help you determine your next best step.

How long do I have to back out of a contract?

What Is the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule? The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant.

Do I have the right to cancel a contract?

If you have a verbal contract

If you've formed a contract with the business and you cancel, you're unlikely to get all your money back unless there's a generous cancellation clause written into your contract. The business could: charge a cancellation fee.

What are three things that can cause a contract to be void?

Three major reasons a contract becomes void are illegal purpose (involving unlawful acts like drug deals), lack of legal capacity (one party is a minor or mentally incapacitated), and impossibility of performance (an unforeseen event makes it impossible to fulfill). Other common causes include mutual mistakes or fraud, rendering the agreement unenforceable from the start.