How many days do you have to get out of any contract?

[ainsane]

I remember hearing something before about legally being able to get out of any signed contract within a few days. Does anyone have any more exact info regarding this?

Thanks.

[MilkyWind]

I thought it was like a few hours (Like 18 hours)? no clue

[Ryan]

I think it depends on the type of contract. With a door to door salesman, you have a 3 day cooling off period.

[Jim123]

In Ontario you have a 10 day cooling off period for purchases or contracts done in your home. This quote is taken from the Ontario Government site on Consumer Rights:

A cooling-off period

Great for when you've had second thoughts about that "low-cost" frozen food plan!

Let's say you make a purchase or sign a contract in your home. If the deal is worth more than $50, you have the right to cancel within 10 days. If you do this by registered mail or hand-delivered letter you're entitled to get your deposit back.

Does this cover your situation?

[pgcanred]

You probably need to be more specific to get any help. Or speak to a lawyer.

[ainsane]

Oh, a car lease.

[cookie-monster]

If it's a contract for a pre-paid service (e.g. gym membership), I thought you only had 5 days to get out of the contract in Ontario. Check the Ontario Prepaid Services Act for details. (Google for legislation)

Note: you can also try and get out of the contract if the contract doesn't comply with the formal requirements prescribed by the Prepaid Services Act, e.g. doesn't have name and address of both parties on it (see s.4(1).

If the time limits have passed, you might still be able to get out of the contract if the company/its representatives engaged in unfair practices in signing you up, e.g. misrepresented the quality of the gym facilities when you signed up. Check the Ontario Business Practices Act for the precise details (Google for legislation).

I successfully used this legislation to get out of my membership agreement with a gym, and to sue them for my overpaid membership fees. The Business Practices Act is consumer protection legislation, so don't let any organisation try and tell you (as my gym did) that they're not governed by it. They are.

For a list of all the different Ontario legislation that might help you get out of your contract (depending on what it is), follow theRegulated Business Practices / Consumer Complaints - Ontario link:

[v00d00]

I believe you have 0 days.

[cookie-monster]

Sorry. Just saw your reply, so I guess my research wasn't much help.

[ainsane]

I believe you have 0 days.

Even if you haven't gotten the car yet?

[cookie-monster]

Try researching the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, the Ontario Business Practices Act. (And, possibly, the Ontario Loan Brokers Act). Depending on your precise problem, you may be able to get out of the contract.

You'll need to tell us exactly how long ago you entered into the contract, and why (be honest here!) you want to get out of it. If the legislation doesn't recognise this as a reason for getting out of the contract, you'll then need to see if you can use any of the formalities requirements to your advantage.

Hope this helps.

[ainsane]

Try researching the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, the Ontario Business Practices Act. (And, possibly, the Ontario Loan Brokers Act). Depending on your precise problem, you may be able to get out of the contract.

You'll need to tell us exactly how long ago you entered into the contract, and why (be honest here!) you want to get out of it. If the legislation doesn't recognised this as a reason for getting out of the contract, you'll then need to see if you can use any of the formalities requirements to your advantage.

Hope this helps.

My parents are leasing a new car. I only want to know if its possible to get out of a lease just incase. The guy we're dealing with is starting to piss us off and we're almost fed up with it. Lecturing my parents on rust protecting and extended warranty... which finally made them buy it. I got them to get out of rust protection yesterday and today they will cancel the extended warranty.

He's getting annoying as was the salesman that we originally dealt with once we finalized the deal based on a carcostcanada quote.

My parents are almost fed up with all this and rather just go to a new dealership. Depending on how it goes when they try to cancel the ECP plan.

I could get into a lot more here but rather not.

[StrayB]

Even if you haven't gotten the car yet?

For a car lease, there's no cooling off period in Ontario.

[v00d00]

If you seriously do not want the vehicle, do not take possession of it.. you will have a better chance fighting them later if you never get the vehicle.

Of course fighting it all will be more hassle than the little hassle you've had dealing with the salesmen to date, so be prepared.

It's not going to be like cancelling your order at Burger King and getting a refund.

[cookie-monster]

If you think he was using pressure tactics, making misrepresentations, etc., the Business Practices Act could help you if you wanted to get out of the contract all together.

You should speak to a lawyer though. While that's my general background, consumer protection law is not my specialty.