Jaime Foster

My office has received a variety of complaints from constituents who want to cancel memberships - particularly gym memberships - and are unable to do so. We reached out to Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) for information to share.

It's important for consumers to research the gym they're interested in and to understand the contract requirements and their rights before signing up.

Before committing to a health club:

• Research - Look for reviews online and ask current customers about their experiences.
• Visit - Stop in at the health club you’re considering so you can see what equipment and conditions they have. Many health clubs offer free tours, and even free or discounted day passes for prospective members. Consumers should avoid signing an online contract without seeing a location first.
• Review the contract or agreement - It’s important to know how much you’re paying when your bill comes, and what the cancellation policy is. Connecticut law requires health clubs to have contracts in writing.
  
  • Health club contracts can be offered for as long as two years, but not longer.  Any club offering contracts longer than one year must also offer a one-year contract.
  • Health club contracts cannot auto-renew. The only exception is after a one-month period. For example, if you sign up for a one-month trial period this month, your contract may auto-renew for the rest of the year at the end of that period. If the monthly price changes after the first month, that change must be disclosed upfront, in writing.
  • You have a three-day right to cancel. If you sign up for a health club contract, you have the right to inform the health club in writing that you do not wish to continue your contract within the first three days of your agreement.
  • State law also includes a right to cancel if you become injured or disabled, or if you move more than 25 miles from your health club. Consumers can review the statute for more information and the complete notice that should be included in their contract.

If you have paid for a contract, and your health club closes, you can apply to the Health Club Guaranty Fund through DCP, and if it is approved, get reimbursed. More information and the application form for the health club guaranty fund can be found at ct.gov/DCP.

Consumers with questions or complaints may contact the Department of Consumer Protection’s complaint center by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov, or by visiting ct.gov/dcp/complaint.