Off premises contracts (doorstep selling)
The ‘Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008’ (the Regulations) are aimed at traders who enter into a contract with a consumer at their home or workplace and also cover contracts made at another individual’s home or on an excursion organised by the trader away from their business premises.
Cancellation of Contracts in a Consumer's Home or Place of Work etc. Regulations 2008
The Regulations:
- cover contracts that are made during both solicited and unsolicited visits by traders
- apply to all contracts with a total payment of more than £35 and they provide consumers with a minimum seven calendar day cooling off period and cancellation rights
- require cancellation rights to be clearly and prominently displayed in any written contract or provided in writing if there is no written contract
- mean consumers have the safety net of a good cooling off period. They also help to tackle underhand tactics used by rogues who take advantage of loopholes in the law
Further guidance for businesses can be found on Business Link.
DVD for doorstep sellers
BIS has produced a DVD primarily aimed at businesses which contract for work in consumers’ homes or on their property. “The Seven Day Cooling Off Period, A guide to the requirements of the Doorstep Selling Regulations” URN 10/1096DVD is free and can be ordered from BIS Publications.
Background
The Government published a formal consultation on the draft Regulations on 29 January 2008.
Measures to encourage greater transparency and prices are being taken forward through industry self-regulation, by encouraging traders to operate under Codes of Practice that have been approved under the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme or for the building and construction trades through participation in TrustMark.
For further information on the OFT Codes Scheme please visit their website.
Related guidance
Consumer Direct - Doorstep Selling Information, advice and legal rights
OFT - Your Doorstep Your Decision leaflet
