Sometimes consumers need to cancel a service they’ve booked, whether before it starts or while the work is already underway. Your rights and financial obligations will depend on what your service contract says, how much notice you give, and whether the provider has already incurred costs.

Cancelling Before the Service Begins

Most service contracts allow cancellation before the work starts, but often with conditions. Always review the terms and conditions to understand:

• how much notice you must give,

• whether you are entitled to a refund,

• whether cancellation fees apply, and

• whether any part of your deposit may be kept to cover the business’s losses.

If you cancel with short notice, the service provider may have already spent money preparing for the job. In those cases, they may legally keep part of your deposit or charge a cancellation fee.

Your contract should also explain how you must cancel (e.g., in writing).

If it does not specify, call the provider, notify them of your cancellation, and send a follow-up email immediately for proof.

If you meet the contract’s cancellation requirements but the business refuses to refund you or removes fees, submit a formal complaint to the business, and if unresolved, file a complaint with Consumer Affairs.

Cancelling After the Service Has Started

If you cancel during the job, the service provider is entitled to payment for the work already completed.

• If you paid a deposit, the provider may keep the portion needed to cover completed work.

• If the deposit is not enough to cover what has been done, you may need to pay the balance.
  

If no deposit was required, you will still be expected to pay for the portion of work already provided unless your contract states otherwise.

Again, check your service agreement carefully. Cancelling mid-service often means:

• no refund,

• cancellation fees, and/or

• losing some or all of your deposit.
  

As with early cancellation, notify the business promptly and follow up in writing.

If the cancellation fees seem excessive, try negotiating. If the business will not adjust them, submit a formal complaint, and if necessary, contact Consumer Affairs or consider legal action.

Key Takeaways

• Always review the cancellation terms before signing any service agreement.

• Provide notice as early as possible.

• Always cancel in writing or follow up your conversation with an email.

• Keep copies of all emails, receipts, invoices, and your contract.

• If a business refuses to follow the contract or apply fair cancellation terms, you may file a complaint with Consumer Affairs or pursue legal action.