Contract renews automatically? New rules protect you
In the past, many contracts renewed tacitly for a whole year at once. Since the Act on Fair Consumer Contracts, that is over: an automatic renewal is only permissible if you can get out again quickly at any time afterward.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Enforce your cancellation →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Check the contract date
Was the contract concluded after March 1, 2022? Then the new rules apply.
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2. Classify the renewal
After the initial term ends, renewal may only be for an indefinite period, cancellable monthly.
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3. Cancel
Cancel with the statutory notice period (no more than one month), preferably in writing/text form.
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4. Object to an invalid clause
If the provider relies on a longer commitment, point to the new legal situation.
Frequently asked questions
May my contract automatically renew for a year?
For contracts concluded after March 1, 2022, no longer. An automatic renewal is only permissible if the contract then runs for an indefinite period and you can cancel it at any time with a notice period of no more than one month. A rigid renewal for a whole year is impermissible.
How quickly can I get out of the renewed contract?
After the original term, into the renewal, at any time with a notice period of no more than one month. The period for canceling the end of the initial term may also be only one month. Longer commitment clauses are invalid, and you can rely on that.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.