Contract Advice - Possible Debt

Sylvester

Sorry, I don't know where to put this.

I've signed up for a contract and after I had agreed to a 12 month contract and signed the forms, the 12 months was crossed out and replaced with 36 months.

Is it legal to deface a contract like this? It was one of those forms where you wrote on the top copy and the other 2 copies automatically were copied onto. It's clearly visible that this has been done.

If I wanted to argue this, would the fact that they have crossed out '12' and replaced it in handwriting with '36', have any support for me?

Thanks

loopylu36

How do you know it has been changed to 36 months? Presumably your copy says 12? If this is the case then I don't see how any one can argue that the term was/is 36 months and if your copy says 36 months too how come you thought you were only signing up for 12?

RAS

Did you initial the handwritten alteration?

kel123_2

what was the contract for?

Sylvester

My copy says 36 months (Crossed out 12, 36 written in handwriting, underneath)

12 was crossed out and replaced with 36 at some point that I was filling in other forms, without me knowing until I got home, as it was 12 when I signed it.

The back of the contract says "You agree to remain a member of the club for a minimum period of one year..." no signs of 'three years'

Basically, are companies allowed to cross conditions out and replace them in handwriting, or do they have to have a form with a printed '36' months?

I've been duped

Sylvester

RAS wrote: »

Did you initial the handwritten alteration?

No, I didn't.

Sylvester

kel123 wrote: »

what was the contract for?

Gym membership

loopylu36

Well usually an amendment like that would be initialled so you could argue that you weren't aware of the change, hence you haven't initialled the amendment. Is this gym/health club membership? Have you actually tried to cancel it?

kel123_2

how long ago was this - is there a cooling off period? RAS is correct that on all documentation any crossing out or alterations must be initialled by the person taking out the agreement

Sylvester

loopylu36 wrote: »

Well usually an amendment like that would be initialled so you could argue that you weren't aware of the change, hence you haven't initialled the amendment. Is this gym/health club membership? Have you actually tried to cancel it?

It is gym membership.

I haven't tried to cancel it yet as I thought i'd ask advice first, although I do have contact details for them. I want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible!

I searched this site and google and it seems these people are hard to get out of contracts with.

Sylvester

kel123 wrote: »

how long ago was this - is there a cooling off period? RAS is correct that on all documentation any crossing out or alterations must be initialled by the person taking out the agreement

Yesterday.

No cooling off period according to contract.

So I have a leg to stand on then?

I shall contact them and see how they react. Not sure how to word it, but i'll see what I can do.