Cancellation Rights for Health Club Shoppers

It's always a good idea to compare a number of health clubs before deciding which one's right for you. The salespeople who show you the facilities are often eager to sign you up for a plan, and if you get pressured into a contract and then have second thoughts, California law offers you some protections.

According to Department of Consumer Affairs spokesman Miles Bristow, consumers have up until midnight of the fifth business day to cancel a health club contract. Sundays and holidays do not count as business days. Your cancellation notice must be done in writing, preferably by certified mail, return receipt requested. Mr. Bristow also notes you even have longer to cancel expensive memberships - 20 days for contracts totaling $1,500-$2,000, 30 days for those ranging from $2,001-$2,500, and 45 days for any agreement costing $2,501 or more. Once your cancellation is received, the club must issue a refund within 10 days.