We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Contract

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Escape Clause?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 18,663
Share

An escape clause is a clause in a contract which allows a party to break the contract without penalty under certain situations. Escape clauses are designed to prevent people from feeling like they are forced into complying with a contract when circumstances change. They are common in many real estate contracts and other types of agreements, and when establishing a contract with someone, it is advisable to read it carefully to see if there is an escape clause, and when it kicks in.

Real estate contracts are one area in which escape clauses are widely utilized. The contract is usually subject to a due diligence period, in which the buyer can order inspections of the house and withdraw from the contract if the inspections reveal problems which the buyer does not want to deal with. For example, a pest report could indicate that the home needs substantial work to deal with insects, or a contractor could point out that the home needs substantial renovations to be brought up to code.

Likewise, many real estate transactions include a funding escape clause. If the buyer cannot secure funding within a set time period, the seller can cancel the contract, and likewise, the buyer can cancel the contract as well. Sometimes, when people want to push a deal through quickly, they can write these common clauses out, indicating that they are entering a contract for a house as-is and that the sale is not contingent on financing.

Escape clauses are also available in the form of a cooling off period or 72 hour clause for big purchases like cars and appliances. The buyer can return the purchase within the cooling off period for a refund, assuming that no damages have been incurred. Likewise, items bought from door to door salesmen are subject to similar escape clauses, in part in recognition of the fact that people sometimes feel pressured into buying things they do not want from such salespeople.

Not every contract has an escape clause, and those that do usually have precisely defined terms which do not leave much room for error. People who think that they may need such a clause should make sure that it is written into the contract in terms which meet their needs, and people should also be cautious of abusing escape clauses. Sometimes, it is possible to be held liable under the argument that the contingency being cited under the escape clause is not sufficient for release from the contract.

Share
MyLawQuestions is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By keirozj — On Jan 31, 2013

What is a "mac" clause (heard of it the first time recently from a German colleague)? I believe it is some kind of escape clause, but don't know what it stands for.

By JaneAir — On Sep 22, 2011

@strawCake - Door to door salespeople are just trying to make a living! I almost don't think it's fair that people can buy something and then decide they don't want it.

I think escape clauses are also totally necessary in real estate though. There are so many things that go on after the initial sales process is started. No one should have to be stuck with a house that has extensive damage they weren't aware of when they first decided to buy.

By strawCake — On Sep 21, 2011

I had no idea stuff bought from a door to door salesperson was subject to an escape clause. This is good to know!

I used to live in a high rise with secure entry-no random people could just walk in and go door to door. However, ever since I moved I've been dealing with people coming door to door for various reasons. Usually I just don't answer the door, but my boyfriend sometimes. I'm glad to know that if he gets suckered into actually buying something we can return it!

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.mylawquestions.com/what-is-an-escape-clause.htm
Copy this link
MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

MyLawQuestions, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.