B.C.'s new consumer protections ban auto-renewals without notice and door-to-door pressure sales
Auto-renewal protections and door-to-door sales ban took effect August 1 in B.C.; free credit monitoring coming in 2027.
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B.C. residents gained new leverage against surprise subscription charges and aggressive sales tactics on August 1, when consumer protection amendments to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act took effect.
The changes require businesses to give customers advance notice before auto-renewing subscriptions—for food delivery, streaming services, or any other recurring charges. Customers can now cancel subscriptions at any time before or after a renewal date without penalty. Businesses can no longer charge unexpectedly or make cancellation difficult.
The province also banned high-pressure door-to-door sales for household products and services like air conditioners and furnaces. Sellers can no longer offer or arrange credit as part of a direct sale, eliminating what the province called "predatory loan-term tactics" common in door-to-door transactions.
A Vancouver consumer shared a common frustration the new rules address. "I had to sign up for a subscription to purchase gum from an online business, which was complicated to cancel, and I was charged for another order before my first package even arrived," said Hanna Wahlberg. "I'm still waiting for a refund months later, even though the company claims to provide moneyback guarantee with full refund within 30 days. I'm glad these new rules are being introduced because they will help people avoid surprise renewals and have more control over what they are buying."
Additional protections are coming in August 2027, when B.C. residents will gain free monthly access to their credit reports and credit scores, plus the ability to set up security alerts and credit freezes at no charge. The province says these measures will introduce new requirements for credit reporting agencies and lenders to protect people against identity and credit fraud.
The facts
When did B.C.'s new auto-renewal protections take effect?
The auto-renewal protections took effect on August 1, 2026 in British Columbia.
What can customers do if they want to cancel a subscription?
Customers can cancel subscriptions at any time before or after a renewal date without penalty under the new rules in British Columbia.
What door-to-door sales are now banned in B.C.?
High-pressure door-to-door sales for household products and services like air conditioners and furnaces are banned in British Columbia. Sellers can no longer offer or arrange credit as part of these direct sales.
When will B.C. residents get free credit monitoring?
Free monthly access to credit reports, credit scores, security alerts, and credit freezes will be available to B.C. residents starting in August 2027.
