Gym trying to charge me notice period even though i had no option to cancel during the pandemic

aj6658

I recently moved and and cancelled my gym membership with Snapfitness  on 26th July (1 day after Gyms reopened). You cannot cancel online and per their policy it has to be in person, in branch. If i could cancelled earlier i would but with the pandemic, it was literally impossible.

They have a one month notice period and because of this, They want to charge me an extra month. I told them there was no way i could cancel earlier as they were closed. They told me thats the policy. I asked them if i managed to cancel in May would they charge me in June which they said they would. I pointed out how as the membership cost is for the access to the gym which i cannot enter due to the pandemic.

They have threatened debt collectors. What legal recourse do i have? My view is that the notice amount is for access to the gym. If i dont have access, then what does the payment represent? its not an exit fee.

Per their terms and conditions 

CANCELLATION. After my right to cancel period noted earlier (if any), I may cancel my membership by giving notice by filling out a cancellation form at my home club. The notice will be effective on the last day of the month which is at least 30 days from the date of my notice, and I will be required to pay all fees up until that date and any outstanding fees for other services already supplied to me, regardless of whether or not I use the club after the date of my notice. If collection or legal services are needed to collect any unpaid amount, I am responsible for all costs of collection, including solicitor’s fees of Club Owner and/or Licensor. If I die or become totally or permanently disabled, upon reasonable written notice to the Club with proof of the death or disability, either I or my estate may cancel this Agreement and receive a prorated refund of the unused portion of membership fees incurred.

bris

Debt collectors mean nothing. They are only a real threat if they come officially with a court order. This isn't going to happen, they wont take a case they could lose to court for a small amount of money.