gym debt

mills705

Hi all
Myself and my other half were members of a gym up until May last year. We did the silly thing of cancelling the DD only and not telling them we wanted to cancel out right.
My otherhalf is now training to teach classes at gyms and some of her help is mainly based at said gym. They have said that until she clears her debt- they are aware of mine too then she cannot enter the gym.
They are asking for 350/400 ish each from us as it was £45/ month. We have not accessed the gym since we left.

My idea was to email the manager and offer to pay for 1 month which is the period for cancelling as we were both outside the 1 year period. We have also not used the facilities in the gym since we left. Any ideas on what we can do? or anything?

sourcrates

If you were not in contract at the time, and you didn't use the facilities, then the 30 day notice payment is all they can legally chase you for, id offer that to them, in writing, also add that if accepted, you will not be chased by them or there agents for any of the remaining debt.

See how that goes.

mills705

is that even if we did not offer a cancellation letter/ notice to them?

sourcrates

Normally these gym memberships require you to give various terms of notice to cancel, usually its one calendar month (or 30 days).

OK, you've fessed up you didn't follow correct procedure, fess up to them also, then start by offering the one month (each) payment to settle the matter, you may have to negotiate a little bit, as they may not accept your first offer, but you should be able to reach a compromise with them.

These fees are not really enforceable through the courts, as you were not in contract, its one word against another.

Any other gyms in your area ???

mills705

Thanks-
Emailed the manager- its been passed to ARC debt collections already. However I am yet to receive anything from them. I literally got a few texts I think but I deleted them as I used to get texts offering loads of offers. Looking back they could be 'contact us' texts.

He basically said we did not give notice so tough luck basically.

My other half is upset as it means she cannot practice their until it is settled.

If the debt has gone to this company I guess it will increased by now?
What are our options?

boliston

surely staff can enter without a valid membership

mills705

Its freelance gym work- so basically they are saying she cannot enter until the debt she owes them is settled. Which I can understand.

MrsTinks

Unfortunately they pretty much have you over a barrel... as in they have the right to refuse ANYONE access to the gym (for any reason near enough). They can refuse her access until the debt is paid if they so choose. If this is vital to her training then they are well aware that they stand a way better chance of getting the full payment from her now so have no reason to settle...

Sorry but being practical if she needs to access this gym I think you will need to pay this... try to negotiate but don't bet on them agreeing...

another_casualty

I had a dispute with LA fitness many years ago. I got more or less the same letter you did(letter from debt collections agency).
Once I saw that, I paid immediately. I knew if I didn't , then more letters arrive . The amount owed is increased. Etc etc
If you can afford to pay the amount now , then I think it's the only way .

mills705

Thanks- pretty much my thoughts. We can afford it- im making her call to pay when i get in

DrWatson1

My former partner and i left Bannatyne's under similar circumstances. They wanted three months membership (it was in the T&C's) and I just ignored them till they went away.

However, I think in your situation, you don't have any option but to negotiate settlement.