Care Home Contracts: What to Check Before You Sign

A care-home contract is a significant financial and legal commitment — often signed at a stressful, emotional time. Before you put pen to paper, here's what to read carefully and the questions to ask.

Once you've found the right home, the contract (sometimes called the "terms and conditions" or "residency agreement") sets out exactly what you're paying for and on what terms. Good homes have clear, fair contracts. Taking an hour to read it properly — and getting anything vague put in writing — can save real money and heartache later.

Get it in writing, and take your time

You're entitled to a written contract before or when care begins. Never rely on a verbal promise — if the manager assures you of something ("we won't put fees up mid-year", "your room's kept if you go into hospital"), ask for it in the contract. Don't feel rushed: it's reasonable to take the contract away, read it calmly, and ask questions before signing.

The clauses that matter most

What the fee covers

Check exactly what the weekly fee includes — and what's charged as an "extra". Chiropody, hairdressing, outings, newspapers, escorted GP visits and some activities are sometimes billed on top. Ask for a full list of typical extras so there are no surprises.

Fee increases

Contracts should say when fees are reviewed (usually annually), how increases are calculated, and how much notice you'll get. Be wary of terms allowing large or open-ended rises at short notice.

Notice periods and fees after death

Look at how much notice is needed to leave, and — a distressing but important detail — how long fees continue to be charged after a resident dies (often a set number of days to clear the room). These vary between homes and should be reasonable.

Deposits, top-ups and who's liable

Understand any deposit or advance payment and whether it's refundable. If a third-party top-up is involved, be clear who is agreeing to pay it, how it can change, and what happens if it can't be paid. Never sign as the person liable for fees unless you fully intend to be — get advice if unsure.

Your rights: contracts must be fair

Care-home contracts are covered by consumer protection law, and the Competition and Markets Authority has issued guidance homes must follow. That means terms must be fair and clearly worded, upfront pricing information should be provided, and certain practices — like large fees charged for an extended period after a death, or unfair "pay in advance" demands — can be challenged. A term that's unfair may not be legally enforceable.

Before you sign — a quick checklist

• Read the whole contract; don't skim the fees section.
• Get every verbal promise written in.
• Query anything vague or one-sided.
• Check who is signing as liable for fees.
• Consider legal advice for high-value or complex arrangements — a solicitor can review it, and organisations like Citizens Advice or Age UK can help.