Is there a way to get out of a contract if I feel taken advantage of?
June 8, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Mia Schulz
Dear lawyer,
I am contacting you with a question regarding contract law. Several months ago, I entered into a contract that is now causing me great concern. It is a service contract that I entered into with a craftsman to carry out renovation works in my house.
Unfortunately, I have found that the works were not carried out as agreed and the quality of the work is very poor. Additionally, extra services were invoiced that were not agreed upon in the contract. I feel taken advantage of in this case and I am wondering if there is a way to terminate this contract.
My concerns are significant as I fear that I will have to bear the costs for the substandard work and the additional expenses. However, I do not want to be left with the costs if the services do not meet my expectations and were not provided according to the contract.
Therefore, my question to you is: Is there a legal way to terminate this contract if I feel taken advantage of? What steps can I take to assert my rights and find a solution to this problem?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Sven Hirschfeld
Dear Mr. Hirschfeld,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding contract law. I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with a service contract you entered into with a craftsman. It is understandable that you feel taken advantage of in this situation and are looking for a solution to terminate the contract.
In your case, it is important to assess whether the craftsman has properly fulfilled his contractual obligations. If the work was not carried out as agreed upon and the quality of the work does not meet the agreed standards, this may constitute a breach of contract. Similarly, additional services that were not agreed upon in the contract may be considered a breach of contract.
In such cases, as a contracting party, you have the right to assert your rights and possibly terminate the contract. Initially, you should ask the craftsman in writing to remedy the defects and justify the additional costs. If the craftsman does not respond to your demands or does not remedy the defects, you may consider voiding or terminating the contract.
Voiding the contract may be considered if you can prove that the contract was entered into due to deception, mistake, or fraudulent misrepresentation. Termination of the contract is possible if the craftsman has seriously violated his contractual obligations and continuing the contract would be unreasonable for you.
In such a case, it is advisable to seek legal assistance to effectively represent your interests and find a solution to the problem. A contract law attorney can help protect your rights and, if necessary, take legal action against the craftsman.
I hope this information is helpful to you and wish you success in resolving your issue.
Sincerely,
Mia Schulz
Contract Law Attorney
