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Home security contract

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C

coxt

Guest
Hello, I live in Wisconsin and I have a contractual question. I lived with my elderly grandmother for 2 years. During this time she wanted a home security system installed so that we would be safe and in case of a health emergency. I had to take out a 3 year contract under my name since they wanted to auto-debit a checking account for the service and she had no checking account. Last October, I moved out of her home and wanted to end or transfer my contractual obligation. The security service told me that I could only end my obligation by paying the remainder of the 3 year balance in full. I asked them if they could remove the security system in exchange for my contract and they said no. I asked them if they could transfer the contract to my grandmother and they said that they could not and that she'd have to sign another 3 year contract. I am now paying $40 per month for a security service that my grandmother no longer wants, for a home I do not live in, and I am liable for any fees,etc, associated in the event that the alarm is misused. Any suggestions here? Could I end this contract or am I forced to maintain it? I appreciate your input. Thank you.
 


JETX

Senior Member
Bad news.... what you have is a simple contract issue. You signed for 3 years service and they (the seller/installer) expects you to comply with the terms.

Q1) "Any suggestions here?"
A1) If the contract is valid, you really have only two choices: complete the terms or breach. If you breach, you could make yourself liable for additional costs and/or penalties.

Q2) "Could I end this contract or am I forced to maintain it?"
A2) See A1.

One big suggestion though.... cancel the automatic debit on the account (if you can). These auto-debits are notariously abused by the merchant/vendor.
 
C

coxt

Guest
auto debit

Thanks for your advice, unfortunately, that's what I was afraid of.
In terms of the auto debit suggestion, is there any way that the merchant can REQUIRE the monthly payments via auto debit? I had thought it was a choice and not a requirement but when I signed the contract they didn't provide any other options.
Since the auto debit is coming from my checking acct's debit card, I could always cancel the card and have a new one reissued, new number. They are using it like someone would charge a VISA.
Please let me know if they can require an auto debit and thanks again!
 

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