Ohio: what the law says about your contract
2 Ohio rules, each quoted from the statute with its link and the date we checked it, after the federal rule that applies everywhere.
Ohio eLicense (Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board)
Ohio’s state board licenses commercial trade contractors (HVAC, electrical, plumbing). Residential contractors are licensed by cities and counties.
FTC Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR 429)
Three business days to cancel in-home sales of $25 or more
“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction.”
The rule covers sales of $25 or more made at your home, and $130 or more at a seller’s temporary location such as a hotel, fair or convention center. It applies even when you invited the salesperson in. The seller must give you two copies of a cancellation form, tell you about the right out loud, and refund within 10 business days of a valid cancellation.
16 CFR 429 · checked 2026-10-05The scope, in the rule’s words
“…which has a purchase price of $25 or more if the sale is made at the buyer’s residence or a purchase price of $130 or more if the sale is made at locations other than the buyer’s residence…”
Exceptions include sales negotiated at the seller’s permanent place of business, real estate, insurance and securities, and genuine emergencies you started where you sign a handwritten waiver.
FTC consumer guide to the ruleThe emergency exception
“In which the buyer has initiated the contact and the goods or services are needed to meet a bona fide immediate personal emergency of the buyer, and the buyer furnishes the seller with a separate dated and signed personal statement in the buyer’s handwriting describing the situation requiring immediate remedy and expressly acknowledging and waiving the right to cancel the sale within 3 business days…”
A pre-printed waiver handed to you by the seller is not this. The statement has to be in your own handwriting, for an emergency you asked them to fix.
16 CFR 429 §429.0What the law says, quoted with its source. Not legal advice: for your situation ask your state's contractor board or attorney general.
Ohio rules
Home solicitation sales: 3 business days, even if you invited them
“…the buyer has the right to cancel a home solicitation sale until midnight of the third business day after the day on which the buyer signs an agreement or offer to purchase.”
Ohio’s definition covers sales solicited at your residence “including solicitations in response to or following an invitation by the buyer” (§1345.21(A)), for $25 or more. It excludes buyer-initiated contact with a seller that has a fixed Ohio business location, and genuine emergencies with a handwritten waiver.
Ohio Rev. Code §1345.22(A); §1345.21(A) · checked 2026-10-05A written agreement, dated, with a copy left with you
“Every home solicitation sale shall be evidenced by a written agreement or offer to purchase in the same language as that principally used in the oral sales presentation and shall contain the name and address of the seller.”
The seller must date it, get your signature and leave you a signed copy.
Ohio Rev. Code §1345.23(A) · checked 2026-10-05What the law says, quoted with its source. Not legal advice: for your situation ask your state's contractor board or attorney general.