Question
Can a vendor change contract terms and still charge me fees without my approval?
What can I do if a vendor changes my contract without notice and adds new fees?
Answer
It can feel frustrating and unfair when a vendor changes contract terms without your OK — especially if they try to add or charge new fees. Generally, a contract is a mutual agreement, meaning both sides must consent to any changes. Vendors generally cannot change key terms — like pricing, cancellation rules, or early termination fees — without the other party's agreement, unless the contract clearly allows it.
For a change to be legally valid, you typically need to agree in writing or through another form of clear consent. If a vendor adds new fees or conditions you never agreed to, those changes might not hold up and could violate your original contract.
Take a close look at your contract for sections titled "Amendments," "Changes," or "Termination." Those sections explain when and how the vendor can make updates. If the terms don't mention unilateral changes, you may have grounds to question or dispute new charges, depending on the contract and applicable law.
What to consider in your specific situation
While this overview applies broadly, your specific rights can depend on several factors, including:
- The wording of your contract's change or amendment clause.
- Whether you signed or consented to any updates (even electronically).
- State or local contract laws governing business agreements.
- How the vendor communicated or disclosed the new terms.
- The type of service or product agreement involved.
Since every situation is different, you can use Rocket Copilot to get legal information about contract changes, or connect with a Legal Pro to learn more about your options.
At Rocket Lawyer, we follow a rigorous editorial policy to ensure every article is helpful, clear, and as accurate and up-to-date as possible. This page was created, edited and reviewed by trained editorial staff who specialize in translating complex legal topics into plain language, then reviewed by experienced Legal Pros—licensed attorneys and paralegals—to ensure legal accuracy.
Please note: This page offers general legal information, but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
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Disclosures
- This page offers general legal information, not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.