harsh, unjustly burdensome, unconscionable, or in breach of reasonable standards of commercial practice In these cases, the Court or the Tribunal has the power to set aside the contract or vary its terms. In general the Courts will not reopen credit contracts merely because, for example, a penalty interest rate is high, and will tend not to intervene if the borrower is experienced and clearly understood the contract. The Courts are more likely to intervene if the borrower's understanding was limited in some way _" for example, by not being able to speak or read English or by some disability. Modifying the contract in cases of "hardship" You can ask the lender to change the terms of the contract if you believe you are unable to keep up with the payments under the contract because of some unforeseen hardship - such as being ill or injured, or losing your job, or your relationship breaking up, or the death of your spouse or partner, or some other reasonable cause. However, you can't do this if you've already missed a payment or exceeded a credit limit. If the lender doesn't agree to amend the contract, you can apply to the Courts or a Disputes Tribunal for it to amend the contract. The Court or Tribunal will give both you and the lender a reasonable chance to be heard. What if I want to pay out the contract early? You have the right to pay out the full amount at any time, but