LA Fitness and ARC Europe chasing

sammers

I first came to LA Fitness when I was 16. I could hardly speak English and the manager there just told me like "it would be 30 pounds per month, just give me your details and sign it", so I didn't even know it's a 12 months contract. I realize it's my mistake, however, I was too young to think about these shady details of cancellation etc.
I came there frequently for 7-8 months and then stopped as I left home for summer holidays. When I came back, they told me I owe 180 pounds. I was a bit surprised, but then the manager asked me for my member card, took it, cut it, threw away and said "just forget".

Then he created a new one for me. After a few months I understood I can't attend anymore, I came to this manager and he told me like "oh, you need to call this number to cancel the membership". They explained possible reasons for cancellation. Loss of income was one of them. I was 17 when signing this contract, I didn't have a job and got money from my parents from overseas. When ARC Europe first called me I explained to their staff member that due to currency problems in my country, my income has reduced dramatically. He told me that he completely understands the situation, that it's a clear reason and just needs my bank statement to prove it. I sent him the document and received no answer. I thought the problem is solved, however, they called me a 2 months later and told that this reason isn't accepted and I have to pay. Apart from my contract, I had 143 pounds to pay as late payments penalties.
The problem is that I don't have any spare 443 pounds to pay even if I wanted to.

Well, I understand I'm also guilty in the whole situation but if somebody can give me an advice, it would be great. What can they do to me?

clint_S

Under the age of 18 you can void a contract due to your age, you are considered not mature enough to have entered into the contract, but this must be done before you are 18. You can also use this a defence against anyone asking for payment, a debt collection agency cannot request money off you if you are below 18.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/young-people-and-money-advice/young-people-money-and-consumer-rights/

sammers

The point is, when I was signing a contract, I was 17. But I turned 18 later. Does it count?

clint_S

When did you void the contract? i.e. state that you no longer wanted it.


I would use the defence that you were under 18 as you can not enter in to a monthly contract and since you can't legally enter into the contract they can't enforce it.

sammers

I don't remember how old I was when I first requested for a cancellation. This was a long long process.

Anyway, thank you very much!

sourcrates

If anyone else contacts you about this, write to them, explaining you were under 18 at the time the contract was signed, and legally, this makes it unenforceable.


Don't speak to them on the phone, as its easy to commit to something in haste.


You do not have to pay this because your were under the age of legal responsibility at the time the contract was signed.