Have you ever agreed to something without reading the fine print?
Maybe you were signing up for a new service, making a purchase online or starting a subscription. You skimmed the terms, clicked “I agree” and moved on. It happens. But taking a few minutes to understand what you’re agreeing to can help you avoid surprises later.
New rules that took effect August 1, 2026 introduced additional requirements for certain consumer contracts in BC. These rules are designed to make important information available to consumers before they agree to a purchase. Depending on the type of contract, this can include information about the price, payment terms, cancellation, refunds, exchanges and renewals.
Before you agree, ask yourself these five questions
1. What am I actually agreeing to?
Make sure you understand what you’re buying or signing up for. Look for details about what the business is providing, how much it costs and what you’re getting in return. If you’re not sure what something means, ask the business before agreeing.
For some types of contracts, businesses must provide specific information before you agree. The exact requirements depend on the type of contract and how you made the purchase.
2. How much will I pay?
Check whether there are additional charges, fees, taxes or other costs. If you’re agreeing to recurring payments, make sure you know how much you’ll pay and how often.
For example, if you’re signing up for a subscription, look for the total price, how often you’ll be billed and what happens when a promotional price ends. This is the type of information that needs to be disclosed under the new rules.
3. How long am I committed for?
Some contracts are for a set period of time. Others renew automatically.
Before you agree, find out:
- When does the contract start and end?
- Will it renew automatically?
- How do I cancel?
- Is there a fee for cancelling early?
If a subscription renews automatically, there are specific rules businesses must follow. For example, depending on the renewal period, a business must give you advance notice and information about how to cancel.
4. What happens if I change my mind?
Before you click “buy,” sign up or agree to a contract, look at the cancellation, refund and exchange policies. Your cancellation rights can depend on the type of contract and how you entered it, so don’t assume that every purchase comes with the same rules.
Under the new rules, consumers may have cancellation rights in certain situations if required information wasn’t provided, required contract information is missing or the information provided before the purchase doesn’t match the contract.
5. Can the business change the deal later?
For some types of contracts, businesses have specific requirements when making changes. For example, subscription contracts can only be changed without the consumer’s agreement in certain circumstances, and businesses must provide notice of changes and cancellation rights.
If a change negatively affects you such as paying more or receiving less, you may have a right to cancel without a penalty in certain circumstances.
What if something goes wrong?
If you think a business hasn’t followed the rules, your first step is usually to contact the business and try to resolve the issue. If you’re not able to resolve the issue, you can submit a complaint to our office to help you understand your options.
A quick contract checklist
Before you agree to a purchase, take a minute to check:
☐ I know exactly what I’m buying.
☐ I know the total price and how often I’ll be charged.
☐ I know how long the contract lasts.
☐ I know whether it renews automatically.
☐ I know how to cancel.
☐ I’ve checked the refund and exchange policies.
☐ I understand whether the business can change the terms later.
☐ I’ve saved a copy of the contract and important purchase information.
You don’t need to become a contract expert. But knowing what to look for can help you make a more informed decision before you agree.
Know what you’re buying. Know what you’re paying. Know what you’re agreeing to.
If you run into a problem, don’t assume you’re out of options. Start by checking the rules that apply to your type of contract and reading more about contract rules on our website.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at consumerprotectionbc.ca.
Please note, information on our website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For details, read our website disclaimer.