A cooling-off period is a short window of time after you enter certain contracts during which you can change your mind and cancel without penalty, or for only a small fee. Cooling-off periods apply to some, but not all, purchases. They commonly apply to unsolicited sales, such as door-to-door or telephone sales, and to certain agreements like gym memberships and some property contracts. The length of the cooling-off period and the rules for cancelling depend on the type of contract and the law that applies. If you want to cancel within a cooling-off period, do so in writing and keep a copy. If you are unsure whether a cooling-off period applies to your situation, contact our Consumer Complaints Clinic before the deadline passes, as these periods are strict and cannot usually be extended.
