Your rights
Not told about your right to cancel? The period can be extended
Sellers must tell you about your right to cancel. If they do not, regulation 31 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 extends the cancellation period.
How the extension works
If the trader gives you the cancellation information within 12 months, the period ends 14 days after you receive it (reg. 31(2)).
Otherwise the period ends 12 months after the day it would normally have ended (reg. 31(3)).
Citizens Advice describes this as the cooling-off period increasing to a year and 14 days.
What you can do
- Look for the right-to-cancel information in your order confirmation, terms or welcome email.
- If you cannot find it, keep a record of what you were given and when.
- Use our checklist to see an estimated end date.
Quick answers
How long can the period be extended?
Up to 12 months after the date it would normally have ended (reg. 31(3)), or 14 days after you are given the information if that happens within 12 months (reg. 31(2)).
Does this apply to in-store purchases?
These regulations cover distance and off-premises contracts. Citizens Advice says you do not get the cooling-off period when you arranged a service at the business's premises.