“I have recently signed an advertising contract which I thought was for 1 year only. I have now been contacted by the company and told it automatically renews if I do not cancel. Is this fair?"
Firstly this is not an uncommon problem. We are seeing more contracts that automatically renew. This can simplify matters for regular contracts such as laundering services, insurance and waste disposal. The problems come when members do not know they will renew until it is too late.
- Were you told about the renewal or provided with contractual terms at the beginning of the contract?
It is a basic principle o contract law that only terms incorporated into the contract can apply. If you were specifically told about the renewal then this will apply. However the terms of any renewal or cancellation process must have been sufficiently clear to be binding.
It becomes trickier where you agree to a contract without signing any terms and conditions. As businesses the courts will assume that you have read and intend to be bound by any terms signed.
- What are the cancellation terms?
If the contract has renewed are there sufficiently specific terms to cancel the agreement. If these terms are not sufficiently specific then the court will have to interpret their meaning. Each case will therefore turn on its facts. However, the most likely outcome is that the notice period for cancelation will be the period covered any one invoice. i.e if you are billed monthly one month, is weekly one week.
- What if the terms are unfair?
In some respects, tough. There are significantly less statutory protections in business to business contracts. If you have signed it you will likely be bound by the terms, so read any terms thoroughly.
That said, there is some protections and arguments that may apply. We would advise you to obtain legal advice so that any unfair clauses can be assessed.
Conclusion
Check all contractual terms before reaching an agreement as prevention is better than cure.
Once signed regularly review contracts to ensure they remain relevant and, where you are unhappy that you are familiar with the steps needed to cancel them. This is particularly important for ongoing contract such as Laundry contracts, waste disposal contracts advertising contracts insurance contracts
As always this advice is general in nature and will need to be tailored to any one particular situation. As an RMI member you have access to the RMI Legal advice line, as well as a number of industry experts for your assistance. Should you find yourself in the situation above, contact us at any stage for advice and assistance as appropriate.
Motor Industry Legal Services
Motor Industry Legal Services provides fully comprehensive legal advice and representation to UK motor retailers for one annual fee. It is the only law firm in the UK which specialises in motor law and motor trade law. MILS currently advises over 1,000 individual businesses within the sector as well as the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) and its members.
