Whether you’ve moved, can no longer participate, or simply want to end your membership, cancelling a fitness contract may not be as simple as stopping your payments. Depending on the circumstances, BC law may give you the right to cancel your contract and receive a refund.
Here’s what you need to know about cancelling a fitness contract in BC.
What counts as a fitness contract?
Fitness contracts aren’t limited to traditional gym memberships. BC’s rules apply to contracts for activities that are ongoing and physical in nature, including:
- Gym memberships
- Yoga or Pilates
- Personal training
- Dance lessons
- Martial arts
- Swimming lessons
- Sports clubs and lessons
- Ski passes
- And more
The rules can also apply to punch passes and other activities that last more than one day.
When can you cancel?
There are several situations where BC law gives you the right to cancel a fitness contract.
1. You’ve changed your mind
If you recently signed up, you have 10 days from the day you receive a copy of your contract to cancel for any reason. If you’re within that 10-day window, you can cancel using our cancellation form and send it directly to the business in a way that provides proof of delivery, such as email or registered mail. Keep a copy of everything you send.
2. You can no longer participate
Sometimes circumstances change after you sign up. If you become physically or mentally unable to participate in the activity you signed up for, you may be able to cancel your contract and request a refund. You’ll need a note from your doctor confirming that you can’t participate.
3. You’ve moved
Moving doesn’t automatically mean you can cancel your membership, but if you’ve moved more than 30 km farther away from the facility you may have cancellation rights.
For example, if you lived 10 km from your gym when you signed up and move to a location that’s 41 km away from your gym, you may qualify to cancel. The rules also consider whether the business has another location that can provide comparable services within 30 km of your new address.
You’ll need to provide proof of your new address when cancelling.
4. The business changed what it offers
What happens if you signed up because of a specific service or amenity, and that changes? If the business makes an impactful change to the services that were originally offered, you may have the right to cancel.
What about refunds?
If you’re entitled to cancel under BC’s fitness contract rules, you may also be entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your contract. If you’re cancelling because your circumstances changed, such as moving or being unable to participate, the business can keep up to 30 per cent of the amount owed back to you to cover its costs. The refund rules can be different depending on when you entered into your contract, so make sure you’re using the information and cancellation tools that apply to your situation.
Ready to cancel? Don’t just stop going
If you believe you have the right to cancel, don’t simply stop attending the gym or assume that your payments will stop. Make sure to:
1. Check your contract.
Review the terms and find out how the business requires cancellations to be submitted.
2. Use the appropriate cancellation process.
We have self-help tools on our website to help you cancel your fitness contract in different situations.
3. Send your cancellation in a way that gives you proof of delivery.
Email, registered mail or another method that creates a record can help you prove when you submitted your cancellation.
4. Keep your records.
Save your contract, cancellation request, receipts, emails and any supporting documents, such as proof of a new address or a medical note.
5. Follow up with the business.
The law gives the business 15 days to respond and provide a refund when one is owed.
What if the business won’t cancel your membership?
Start by giving the business an opportunity to resolve the issue. Not every business offering fitness contracts may be familiar with all of the rules, and many businesses are willing to correct a problem once they understand their obligations. If you’ve followed the appropriate cancellation process and are still having trouble cancelling your contract or receiving a refund, you can submit a complaint to our office.
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About Consumer Protection BC
We are a not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at consumerprotectionbc.ca.
Please note, information on our website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For details, read our website disclaimer.