Ending a subscription can quickly become a headache: deadlines to meet, registered mail, unreachable customer service… Yet the law is on your side. The Chatel and Hamon laws precisely define your rights when it comes to cancellation. This guide walks you through everything, step by step.

Chatel Law vs Hamon Law: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse these two pieces of legislation. Here's what you need to know:

The Chatel Law (2008)

This primarily covers automatically renewed contracts (phone plans, internet, insurance, gym memberships, etc.).

  • The provider must notify you of the cancellation deadline, between 3 months and 1 month before renewal.
  • If this notice is not sent in time, you may cancel at any time, free of charge and without penalties.
  • Cancellation takes effect within a maximum of 20 days after receipt of your letter.

The Hamon Law (2014)

This goes further by allowing cancellation at any time after 12 months of commitment, with no justification or fees required, for:

  • Insurance policies (car, home, mutual health, supplementary health cover, etc.)
  • Certain consumer service contracts

Cancellation takes effect 1 month after receipt of your request by the provider.

Which Subscriptions Are Covered?

Contract Type Applicable Law
Internet box / mobile phone plan Chatel Law
Car insurance, home insurance Hamon Law
Mutual / supplementary health insurance Hamon Law
Gym membership Chatel Law
Streaming, software (SaaS) General terms of the contract
Press subscriptions Chatel Law

Good to know: For digital services such as streaming platforms, the Chatel and Hamon laws do not always apply. Refer to the terms and conditions and the right of withdrawal (14 days for online purchases).

Steps to Cancel Effectively

1. Review Your Contract

Before anything else, locate:

  • The contract anniversary date
  • The notice period required (usually 1 to 3 months)
  • The cancellation conditions stated in the terms and conditions

2. Choose the Right Delivery Method

Always opt for a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt (LRAR). This gives you legal proof of both the sending and receipt dates.

Alternatively, some providers now accept:

  • Online cancellation via your customer account
  • An email with written confirmation

However, the registered letter remains the gold standard in the event of a dispute.

3. Write Your Cancellation Letter

Your letter must include:

  • Your full contact details (name, address, customer number)
  • The provider's contact details
  • Your contract reference number
  • The law being invoked (Chatel or Hamon, as applicable)
  • Your desired cancellation date
  • A brief, professional closing

You can generate a personalised, compliant letter ready to send in just a few seconds using the cancellation letter generator.

Cancellation Letter Template (Generic Example)

[Your First and Last Name]
[Your Address]
[Postcode, City]
[Date]

For the attention of the Cancellation Department
[Company Name]
[Provider's Address]

Subject: Contract Cancellation – Ref. [Contract Number]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby notify you of my decision to cancel the contract taken out on
[subscription date], reference [number], in accordance with the provisions
of the [Chatel / Hamon] law applicable to this type of contract.

I kindly request that you process this cancellation from the date of
receipt of this letter and send me written confirmation accordingly.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me should you require
any further information.

Yours faithfully,

[Signature]

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Sending too late: strictly observe the notice period deadlines.
  • Keeping no proof: always retain the acknowledgement of receipt and a copy of your letter.
  • Forgetting to stop direct debits: even after sending your letter, some providers continue to charge you. Contact your bank if necessary.
  • Confusing cancellation with suspension: a temporary suspension is not a cancellation.
  • Overlooking early termination fees: outside of Chatel/Hamon provisions, cancelling before the end of a contract may incur contractual penalties.

What to Do in Case of a Dispute?

If your provider refuses to honour your cancellation:

  1. Follow up in writing, citing the applicable law.
  2. Contact a consumer mediator (free of charge and mandatory for businesses since 2016).
  3. File a complaint with the DGCCRF (the French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention).
  4. As a last resort, take the matter to the local civil court for disputes under €10,000.

Conclusion

Cancelling a subscription is no longer an insurmountable ordeal once you know your rights. The Chatel and Hamon laws provide a solid protective framework. The key is to act at the right time, send the correct letter, and keep your proof. To save time and avoid drafting errors, a well-written letter makes all the difference.