The best way to get out of a contract with Vivint is to cancel within the 3-day trial period, transfer the service to a new homeowner, or negotiate a buyout with the company. However, these options may not be available or feasible for everyone, and some may incur fees or penalties. In this article, we will explore the different ways to get out of a contract with Vivint, the pros and cons of each method, and some tips to avoid getting stuck in a long-term contract with Vivint in the first place.
Vivint is a home security and smart home company that offers various products and services, such as cameras, doorbells, thermostats, locks, sensors, and alarms. Vivint also provides professional installation, monitoring, and customer support for its customers. Vivint claims to have over 1.7 million customers in the US and Canada, and has received many awards and accolades for its innovation and quality.
However, Vivint also has a reputation for being one of the most difficult companies to cancel a contract with. Vivint’s contracts are typically 4 or 5 years long, and have an automatic renewal clause that extends the contract for another year unless the customer notifies Vivint in writing at least 30 days before the end of the term. Vivint’s contracts also have a high early termination fee, which is 100% of the remaining balance of the contract. This means that if a customer wants to cancel their contract before it expires, they have to pay the full amount of the monthly fees for the rest of the term, which can be thousands of dollars.
Many customers have complained about Vivint’s aggressive sales tactics, misleading promises, poor customer service, faulty equipment, and hidden fees. Some customers have also reported that Vivint did not honor their cancellation requests, or that they were not aware of the terms and conditions of their contracts. Some customers have even sued Vivint for violating consumer protection laws and engaging in fraudulent practices.
How to cancel within the 3-day trial period
The easiest and cheapest way to get out of a contract with Vivint is to cancel within the 3-day trial period. According to Vivint’s website, customers have the right to cancel their contract without any penalty within 3 business days of signing the agreement. This is also known as the “cooling-off period” or the “right of rescission”, and it is mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for any sales that take place at the customer’s home or workplace.
To cancel within the 3-day trial period, customers need to send a written notice of cancellation to Vivint by mail, email, or fax. The notice must include the customer’s name, address, account number, and date of cancellation. Vivint will then process the cancellation and refund any payments made by the customer within 10 business days. Vivint will also arrange to uninstall and remove any equipment installed by Vivint at no cost to the customer.
However, there are some limitations and exceptions to the 3-day trial period. For example, the 3-day trial period does not apply to customers who purchase Vivint’s products or services online, over the phone, or at a retail store. The 3-day trial period also does not apply to customers who request Vivint to perform any services or install any equipment during the 3-day trial period. In addition, some states may have different or additional laws regarding the right of rescission, so customers should check their local regulations before signing a contract with Vivint.
How to transfer the service to a new homeowner
Another way to get out of a contract with Vivint is to transfer the service to a new homeowner. This option is suitable for customers who are moving to a new home and do not want to continue using Vivint’s products or services. Vivint allows customers to transfer their contract to a new homeowner, as long as the new homeowner agrees to take over the contract and meets Vivint’s credit and eligibility requirements. Vivint does not charge any fees for transferring the service, and the original customer is released from any further obligations or liabilities under the contract.
To transfer the service to a new homeowner, customers need to contact Vivint’s Customer Loyalty team at least 30 days before the move-out date. Vivint will then send a transfer form to the customer, which the customer and the new homeowner need to fill out and sign. The transfer form must include the customer’s name, address, account number, move-out date, new homeowner’s name, address, phone number, email, and signature. The customer and the new homeowner also need to provide a copy of the purchase agreement or closing statement for the home. Vivint will then review the transfer form and the documents, and approve or deny the transfer request. If the transfer is approved, Vivint will activate the service for the new homeowner and deactivate the service for the original customer.
However, there are some drawbacks and risks to transferring the service to a new homeowner. For example, the customer may have difficulty finding a new homeowner who is willing to take over the contract, especially if the contract has a long remaining term or a high monthly fee. The customer may also have to negotiate with the new homeowner to compensate them for taking over the contract, such as offering a lower price for the home or paying a portion of the monthly fees. The customer may also have to deal with any issues or disputes that may arise between the new homeowner and Vivint, such as billing errors, service interruptions, or equipment malfunctions.
How to negotiate a buyout with Vivint
Another way to get out of a contract with Vivint is to negotiate a buyout with the company. This option is suitable for customers who want to cancel their contract for any reason, but do not qualify for the 3-day trial period or the service transfer. Vivint may be willing to negotiate a buyout with the customer, which means that the customer pays a lump sum amount to Vivint to terminate the contract and end the service. Vivint may offer a buyout option to the customer as a goodwill gesture, or as a result of a complaint, dispute, or lawsuit.
To negotiate a buyout with Vivint, customers need to contact Vivint’s Customer Loyalty team and explain their situation and reason for wanting to cancel. Vivint will then evaluate the customer’s account and contract, and determine if a buyout is possible and how much it would cost. Vivint may offer a buyout amount that is lower than the early termination fee, or a buyout amount that is based on a percentage of the remaining balance of the contract. Vivint may also offer a buyout amount that is contingent on the customer returning the equipment to Vivint, or paying a separate fee for the equipment. Vivint may also require the customer to sign a release or waiver form, which means that the customer agrees not to sue Vivint or make any further claims against Vivint after the buyout.
However, there are some disadvantages and uncertainties to negotiating a buyout with Vivint. For example, Vivint is not obligated to offer a buyout option to the customer, and may refuse to negotiate or accept a buyout request. Vivint may also offer a buyout amount that is still too high or unreasonable for the customer, or a buyout amount that is subject to change or cancellation. Vivint may also impose additional terms or conditions on the buyout, such as requiring the customer to pay the buyout amount in full within a certain time frame, or requiring the customer to agree to a non-disparagement clause, which means that the customer agrees not to say anything negative about Vivint or its products or services.
How to avoid getting stuck in a contract with Vivint in the first place
The best way to avoid getting stuck in a contract with Vivint is to avoid signing a contract with Vivint in the first place. Customers should be wary of Vivint’s sales representatives, who may use high-pressure tactics, false promises, or deceptive practices to persuade customers to sign a contract with Vivint. Customers should also read and understand the terms and conditions of Vivint’s contracts, and ask questions or seek clarification before signing anything. Customers should also be aware of their rights and options, and exercise their right of rescission if they change their mind within the 3-day trial period.
Customers who are looking for alternative home security and smart home solutions should do their research and compare different companies, products, and services. Customers should look for companies that offer flexible and transparent contracts, such as month-to-month or no-contract plans, or contracts that have reasonable and affordable early termination fees. Customers should also look for companies that have good customer reviews, ratings, and reputations, and that provide reliable and quality products and services.
Conclusion
Getting out of a contract with Vivint can be challenging and costly, but not impossible. Customers who want to cancel their contract with Vivint have three main options: cancel within the 3-day trial period, transfer the service to a new homeowner, or negotiate a buyout with the company. However, each option has its own limitations and drawbacks, and may not be available or feasible for everyone. Customers who want to avoid getting stuck in a contract with Vivint should be careful and cautious before signing a contract with Vivint, and consider other home security and smart home options that suit their needs and preferences.
