Your 3-day right to cancel a roofing contract in Texas

Signed a roofing contract at your kitchen table and found out the price was way off? In Texas you usually have three business days to cancel it, with no penalty, and the contractor cannot talk you out of that right. We are roofers, not attorneys, so don't take our word for it. Here is the actual law.

What the law says

1. 1. Texas Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 601

   If a contractor solicited the sale and you signed somewhere other than their place of business (your home, for example), you can cancel until midnight of the third business day after you signed (Sec. 601.051). The contractor must give you written notice of that right and a cancellation form at signing (Sec. 601.052 and 601.053). After you cancel they must refund everything you paid within 10 business days (Sec. 601.154). Misrepresenting your right to cancel is itself a violation (Sec. 601.153).

2. 2. Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule, 16 CFR Part 429

   The federal rule covers the same situation nationwide: sales made at your home or away from the seller's permanent place of business, three business days to cancel, and the seller must give you a cancellation form.

3. 3. Texas Department of Insurance, Roofing and insurance: know the law

   If insurance is involved: a roofer cannot act as your adjuster or negotiate your claim, cannot waive or absorb your deductible, and contracts of $1,000 or more involving an insurance settlement must state that you have to pay your deductible.

How to cancel

1. 1.Do it in writing, not by phone. A short note is enough: 'I am canceling the contract dated ___ for roofing work at ___.' Sign and date it.
2. 2.Send it before midnight of the third business day after you signed. Email and text both count as written; keep a copy and a screenshot.
3. 3.Send it to the name and address on your contract or cancellation form.
4. 4.If they gave you no written notice of your right to cancel, or they push back, call the Texas Attorney General consumer line at 800-621-0508 or talk to an attorney.