Press Releases
01/02/2024
Know Your Rights When Signing Contracts at Health Clubs
Consumers should do their research, understand contract requirements prior to joining a new gym this holiday season
HARTFORD – The Department of Consumer Protection is reminding consumers to do their research and know their rights before signing a new contract with a gym or health club this New Year.
“This is the time of year when health club memberships spike as people set New Year’s Resolutions following the season of holiday indulgence,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “We’d never discourage someone from making a healthy change in their life, but we do urge consumers to do their research, understand their rights and what should be included in a health club contract, and consider what is realistic for their budget and their schedule prior to making an expensive commitment.”
The Department of Consumer Protection received 41 complaints about health clubs in 2023, mostly related to billing issues. Examples of complaints the department received include: consumers seeking a refund after they cancelled their membership and continued to be charged, consumers who disagreed with the amount they were billed, and consumers who had difficulty canceling their membership.
DCP is also reminding new and existing health club and martial arts club members to look for an AED, or automated external defibrillator, in their facility. State law requires all health clubs and martial arts clubs to have an AED on site in case of emergency. Consumers who are unable to locate an AED in their health club should notify the business and file a complaint with DCP by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov, or by visiting ct.gov/dcp/complaint.
Before committing to a health club:
- Do some research. Look for reviews online and ask current customers about their experiences.
- Schedule a 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 up front, 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.
There is a Health Club Guaranty Fund. If you have paid for a contract, and your health club closes, you can file an application for the 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.
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Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Krasselt
kaitlyn.krasselt@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 377-0246 (cell)