Gym Membership

WeddingGal

Hi All

I signed up for a gym membership last May, which I believed was on a 3 month minimum term and then rolling contract. I do not remember signing up for 12 months (as I knew I wouldn't stick it out that long lol) but low and behold they are telling me i'm in contract until June and that i cant, therefore, cancel my membership. 

I've asked to see my paperwork, and there is nothing written on the contract specifying 12 months. There is a monthly rate of £41 and my signature, and they acknowledge that I was then put forward for corporate discount which reduced it to £37, but they can't find any paperwork for the update (I don't believe I signed anything other than the original document). I am wondering if I have grounds to insist on a cancellation, if the contract I signed doesnt clearly set out the terms (i.e. a 12 month payment period) or is there anything else I should check / consider?

Thanks for your help!
Melissa

Sandtree

Where are your copies of the paperwork to read?

Some promotional discounts will change things like notice periods/minimum terms etc and so it'd be useful if you found your copy of it to see what it says. Remember contracts dont have to be signed to be enforceable but they do have to be clear... in the absence of evidence it becomes one persons word against another on what was discussed (which also forms part of the contract) and down to the judge to decide which version of events are more likely to have happened 

If they cannot find anything which says you agreed to a 12 month minimum term you can in theory given your notice, cancel their payment authority and it will be their decision if they think its worth fighting over what they believe is a legitimate debt... you may get a few threatening letters that amount to nothing or they may take action. You probably wont be signing up with that gym again if you go down that path irrespective of their decision on action.