Please help with gym contract problem

Holls

Hi,

I need help! I have been a member of David Lloyd gym for over a year and took out a joint membership with my partner. In February we decided to leave the gym because we werent using the facilities enough. I rang the gym to find out what we need to do to cancel and they told us we needed to write a letter of cancelation and serve a three month notice period. Fine.

So the next day, I drop a cancelation letter into David Lloyd and in May I cancelled my direct debit. I have now received emails saying I owe them money and so I rang to explain the situation. They are saying they havent received my letter and i owe them £130 and then we have to serve another 3 months notice which is £520 altogether. I cant afford that! They have on record that I called about cancelling so they know that but wont take responsibilty for losing my letter.

Its absolutely absurd that I have to pay for their mistake! I wont do it, but I am really worried about what this means and I dont want debt collectors after me. Does anyone know where I stand? I have done everything they asked and now I have to pay more money? What do I do??

Thanks.

Little_Miss_Uni-Debt

Hi Holls,

Sorry to hear your situation. I can imagine that this thing happens quite a lot with gym memberships.

I guess the next step would be to write an official complaint to their head office. I presume they have CCTV, if you know the date/time you dropped the letter off, they probably have footage of you handing over the letter. If you had to use a passkey/code to get in they can also look on the system to see the last date you used it.

I would also ensure that you send another cancellation letter recorded/signed for to make sure that your membership is not still ongoing. Also state in the letter that it is your 2nd cancellation letter and that you are taking a complaint up with the company so that all your correspondence adds up.

BlushingRose

I'd agree with the 'recorded letter' idea. Also when you do this make sure to say the date you dropped in the letter and preferably who you gave it to at which branch. Also, make sure you keep a copy.
In fact, it might be worth sending it to head-office?

Holls

Hi,
Thank you for your reply. We mentioned CCTV to them on the phone and they didnt seem that keen on looking it up. I didnt use my card as I only went up to reception so didnt go through the turnstiles.

I just don't know what to do because I have done everything they have asked but now without proof they could force money out of us. Its just so wrong and Im so stressed with it. I will go to the papers with this. Its horrendous way to treat someone.

Thank you for your reply.
xx

Confuseddot

I am in a similar situation, I phoned and then emailed in my intention to leave as instructed and now they saying that I sent it to the wrong address and that I owe them.

Did you get anywhere ? I lost my job and really can't afford to pay it.

Thanks

rising_from_the_ashes

If you need to cancel anything - always do it in writing and send by recorded delivery so you have proof of receipt.

If you cannot prove that the cancellation notice has been received then I'm afraid that it's probably going to be a "goodwill gesture" if they will accept it - certainly try a letter to Head Office (send by recorded delivery) with details of when the letter / email was sent / handed in.