Can I cancel a contract if the other party doesn't do what they promised?

General information from Lawmateanz

Under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, you may be able to cancel a contract if the other party has refused to perform it, or has breached a term that was essential to you, or the breach substantially reduces the benefit of the contract.

You may also be able to cancel if you were induced to enter the contract by a misrepresentation that was significant enough.

Cancellation must be clearly communicated to the other party, and cancelling when you're not entitled to can put you in breach yourself. Damages may also be available.

Check the contract first, as many set out their own process for termination. Because cancelling has serious consequences, it's worth getting legal advice before you act.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

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General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.