I have been the subject of a door-to-door canvassing, can I retract?

RegulationsMorgane JacquetJune 05, 2020updated on June 08, 2020Share on

Many professionals go to individuals' homes with the aim of selling them a product or service. This off-premises sales practice is subject to specific regulations.

Canvassing: you have 14 days to withdraw

When you are the subject of door-to-door sales and before the conclusion of the contract, the professional must provide you with information relating to the right of withdrawal from which you benefit. This information includes in particular the conditions, the deadline, the procedures for exercising this right as well as a standard withdrawal form. Indeed, the individual, who accepts a contract during a canvassing at his home, has a period of 14 days to reconsider his commitment without having to justify himself. The 14-day period is counted from the day after the signing of the contract (purchase order, estimate). As an exception, it can be deducted from the day after receipt when purchasing a property. The consumer who is not informed of the right of withdrawal from which he benefits, has an additional period of 12 months to assert his right.

Its provisions do not apply when you have a professional intervene at your home to carry out emergency repair work and that the latter has limited himself to carrying out the work strictly necessary to respond to this emergency.

Implementation of the right of withdrawal

To reconsider your commitment, you must return the withdrawal form that the professional sent to you or any other declaration expressing your wish to withdraw. Sending by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt is recommended. Indeed, in the event of a dispute, it will be up to you to provide proof of your withdrawal. With the exception of any return costs, the seller cannot claim any other costs from you. Once your request has been received, he has a period of 14 days to reimburse you for all the sums you have already paid him.

Articles L221-5 and L221-18 and following of the Consumer Code