Legal Question in Consumer Law in Massachusetts

Health club membership cancellation

Hello,

I am a member at a health club for a little over a year now. The contract says that they need 30 days in advance to cancel my membership. The money has been electronically taken from a checking account from a financial company that handles their members fees I presume. I called and told them I would like to cancel. They suggested and I did send an email w/my contract number stating that I want to cancel.

Today I received a letter from the financial company saying that they will cancel when I provide them with either proof that I'm moving (I'm actually visiting Italy for 5-6 months, besides the point) they want proof of another utility hook up, or a copy of a one-way plane ticket, or a letter from my md that I am disabled/handicapped to continue going to the gym.

Why are they saying this to me? Can I simply not want to go to the gym anymore? I don't owe them any money, and I can't understand why they want to know my business! I just want to cancel.

Please help

Thank you


Asked on 5/27/03, 7:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Health club membership cancellation

Generally the language of the contract controls the cancellation of the membership. However, any conditions required for termination should have been highlighted/bold in the contract or it may violate the consumer protection law. Have them point out the language they are relying on to request the information they are demanding. If they do not cancel, you can call the MA office of consumer affair, the Attorney General's office of consumer affairs, or an attorney who can sue under the consumer law.

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Answered on 5/28/03, 1:34 pm


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