How to Get Out of an ADT Contract Early: Real Ways to Avoid Penalties

If you're stuck in an ADT contract and wondering how to get out without paying a huge fee, you're not alone. Many people think they signed a 5-year deal - but that’s a myth. ADT doesn’t offer 5-year contracts. Their standard agreement is 36 months (3 years), and in California, it’s even shorter at 24 months. So if you think you’re locked in for five years, you’re probably confusing the initial term with automatic renewals. The good news? There are legal, proven ways to walk away without paying thousands. Here’s exactly how.

ADT Doesn’t Have 5-Year Contracts - Here’s What You Actually Signed

ADT’s standard residential contract is 36 months. That’s it. No 5-year terms in their official paperwork. If you were told otherwise, it was either a misunderstanding or misinformation from a sales rep. After those 36 months, your contract doesn’t roll into another 5-year term. It automatically switches to month-to-month. That’s key. Once you’re on month-to-month, you can cancel anytime with 30 days’ notice - no fee, no hassle.

So if you’re 18 months into your contract and want out, you’re not stuck for another 3 years. You’re stuck for 18 more months - unless you qualify for one of the exceptions below. And those exceptions can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

How Much Will It Cost to Cancel Early?

ADT’s early termination fee isn’t a penalty - they call it a “contract termination charge.” But it’s just as painful. If you cancel before your 36-month term ends, you owe 75% of the remaining monthly charges. Let’s say you’re paying $50 a month and you’ve been with them for 12 months. You have 24 months left. 24 × $50 = $1,200. 75% of that is $900. That’s what you’d pay to cancel now.

That fee is non-negotiable… unless you trigger one of the legal escape hatches. And yes, they exist. Most people don’t know about them, and ADT won’t tell you unless you ask the right way.

4 Legal Ways to Cancel ADT Without Paying a Fee

There are only four situations where ADT will let you walk away without charging you. Know them. Use them.

1. The 3-Day Cooling-Off Period

Right after you sign, you have 72 hours to cancel for any reason. This is your legal right under California Civil Code Section 1689(b)(2), and ADT honors it nationwide - even if you’re not in California. If you signed yesterday and changed your mind? Call ADT now. Don’t wait. Don’t email. Call 800-238-2727 and say: “I’m canceling under the 3-day right to cancel.” They’ll process it immediately. No questions asked.

2. The 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee

ADT promises: “If you’re not satisfied with your system’s performance within the first six months, we’ll refund your money and cancel your contract.” Sounds too good to be true? It’s real. But here’s the catch: you need proof. Not a complaint. Not a feeling. Documentation.

You need at least three documented service calls for the same unresolved issue - like false alarms, system failures, or equipment that won’t connect. Take notes. Save emails. Record dates and times. If the technician shows up three times and the problem isn’t fixed, you’re eligible. One user in Texas canceled without a fee after three failed attempts to fix false alarms triggered by pets. ADT’s own policy says they’ll refund you. Use it.

3. You’re Moving to a New Home (and Keeping ADT)

ADT will waive your early termination fee if you’re relocating and setting up service at your new address. This isn’t a loophole - it’s standard practice. Call ADT before you move. Tell them you’re relocating and want to transfer your system. They’ll cancel your old contract and start a new one at your new home - with no fee. This works even if you’re moving across the country. Just make sure you’re signing up for service at the new place. Don’t try to cancel and then sign up with someone else - that won’t work.

4. You’re Active Military

If you’re on active duty and receive orders to relocate, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) lets you cancel your ADT contract without penalty. You need to provide a copy of your military orders. ADT has a dedicated military support team. Call them, explain your situation, and send the paperwork. They’ll cancel your contract immediately. This is federal law. ADT can’t refuse.

What Doesn’t Work (And Why)

People try all kinds of tricks. None of these work:

• “I don’t use the system anymore.” - Irrelevant. ADT doesn’t care if you’re home or not.
• “I found a cheaper service.” - Doesn’t matter. Price isn’t a legal reason to cancel.
• “I never read the contract.” - You’re responsible for what you signed. Ignorance isn’t a defense.
• “I’m moving and won’t use ADT.” - If you’re not keeping ADT at your new place, you still owe the fee.

These are common excuses. ADT’s customer service reps hear them every day. They’re trained to say no. Don’t waste your time.

How to Cancel ADT: The Exact Steps to Follow

If you qualify for one of the four exceptions above, here’s how to do it right:

1. Call ADT at 800-238-2727. Don’t email. Don’t chat online. Call. Say: “I need to cancel my contract under [specific exception].”
2. Ask for a cancellation reference number. They’ll give you one. Write it down. Record the date and time of the call.
3. Follow up in writing. Send an email or letter confirming your request. Include your account number, the reason for cancellation, and your reference number. Keep a copy.
4. Don’t pay anything until you’re sure. If they send a bill for early termination, dispute it immediately. Say: “I’m canceling under [exception]. Please confirm in writing that no fee applies.”
5. Schedule equipment return. ADT will send a technician to remove the system within 72 hours. Don’t let them leave it behind - you could be charged for unreturned equipment.

Pro tip: Cancel right after your billing date. If your bill comes on the 15th, call on the 12th. That way, you avoid being charged for another full month.

What Happens After You Cancel?

Once your contract ends - whether by expiration or early cancellation - your service automatically becomes month-to-month. That means you can cancel again, anytime, with just 30 days’ notice. No fee. No penalty. No fine print.

So if you’re 34 months into your 36-month term, wait two more months. Then cancel. You’ll pay $0. That’s smarter than paying $900 now.

Alternatives to ADT - No Contracts, No Fees

ADT’s contract model is outdated. Most competitors don’t lock you in. Here are better options:

• SimpliSafe - No contracts. Pay monthly. Self-monitoring or professional monitoring.
• Ring Alarm - No long-term commitment. Works with Alexa. Low monthly fee.
• Frontpoint - 36-month contracts, but only 50% early termination fee (better than ADT’s 75%).
• Vivint - 60-month contracts, but they offer more tech integration. Still, their cancellation terms are clearer.

Switching to one of these can save you money and stress. And you won’t have to worry about hidden fees.

Final Advice: Don’t Panic. Plan.

If you’re in an ADT contract, don’t rush to cancel. Check how long you’ve been with them. If you’re under 30 months, look for one of the four legal exits. If you’re over 30 months, wait it out. The contract ends soon. Then you’re free.

Keep records. Call before you act. Don’t trust what your sales rep told you. Trust the contract. Trust the law. And if you’re not sure, call ADT and ask: “What are my options for canceling without a fee?” They’ll list the exceptions. Now you know what they’re supposed to say.

Next Steps: What to Do Right Now

Check your contract start date. Count how many months you’ve been with ADT. If it’s less than 36, ask yourself: Do I qualify for one of the four exceptions? If yes, call today. If not, wait until you’re close to 36 months. Then cancel with 30 days’ notice.

Don’t let ADT’s fees trap you. You have rights. Use them.