What protection do consumers have in services contracts? That’s the question in this edition of Utalk. It comes from Andrew in Dublin: “I wanted to change my mobile phone operator, but when I checked my contract I realised that I should have given 6-months’ notice. Is this fair ? Do I have any means of recourse ?”, Andrew, Dublin, Ireland.
The response is from Jean-Baptiste Meert, Europe Direct Communication Officer: “When you buy goods and services anywhere in the EU – whether from a website, local shop or seller outside your home country – EU law protects you against unfair standard contract terms.
The standard contract terms used by traders, whether they are called “terms and conditions” or are part of a detailed contract that you may actually have to sign, have to be fair.
Contract terms must be drafted in plain, understandable language. Any ambiguities will be interpreted in your favour. Under EU law, in order to be fair, standard contract terms may not create an imbalance
