Ontario banning door-to-door sales starting March 1

By March Ren

A ban on unsolicited door-to-door sales will take effect March 1 in Ontario.

The ban will prohibit sales of certain household appliances, such as air conditioners and water heaters, to better protect consumers from aggressive and confusing contract negotiations.

If consumers enter into a contract with a door-to-door sale after March 1, the contractual agreement will be considered void.

“And consumers will be able to keep the goods and services with no obligations,” said an Ontario government news release.

According to the new rule, all contracts signed at home for these goods and services will also have a 10-day cooling-off period for consumers, allowing consumers to cancel the contract for any reason without penalty.

“Door-to-door contracts have been among the top complaints received by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services,” the government’s news release said.

“These new laws will ensure that people aren’t being taken advantage of through unsolicited door-to-door contracting. We have heard from many consumers, ‎including many seniors, who are being taken advantage of at their doorsteps,” said Minister of Government and Consumer Services Tracy MacCharles.

Also, the businesses will have to keep a record of how to contact consumers and provide clear information for consumers about their rights. If consumers call to request repair or maintenance, business need to provide all the information about the products and services.

“Our government is taking steps to protect Ontario consumers and provide them with more protection against aggressive and misleading door-to-door contracting tactics so that they can enjoy peace of mind in their homes,” MacCharles said in the news release.