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Know your rights. Every state has consumer protections for gym memberships. Find your state's specific laws, cooling-off periods, and cancellation requirements.
Last updated: February 2026
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change — verify current statutes with your state attorney general's office.
Best Protections
Strongest consumer rights and enforcement
Online Cancellation Required
Must allow cancellation via website
Member Relocation Rights
Statutory right to cancel if you move (typically 25+ miles)
Longest Cooling-Off
7-15 day cooling-off periods (vs. typical 3 days)
Most states with gym-specific laws include these baseline protections:
3-5 business days to cancel without penalty after signing
Gym must provide written contract with clear terms
Cancel if you move beyond a certain distance (often 25 miles)
Cancel if physically unable to use gym with documentation
Maximum contract term (usually 36 months)
Pro-rata refunds for unused membership time
Detailed breakdown of gym cancellation laws by state
Statute: Civil Code § 1812.80-1812.97
Cooling-Off Period
5 business days
Max Contract
36 months (3 years)
Refund Timeline
Pro-rata refund required
Relocation Rights
Moving 25+ miles from facility. Cancellation fee may apply: $100 max (or $50 if >50% contract life expired)
Medical/Disability
Yes — Physical disability preventing use
Last Updated
2026
Key Provisions:
Statute: General Business Law § 624-a and § 627-a
Cooling-Off Period
3 business days
Max Contract
36 months (3 years)
Refund Timeline
Pro-rata refund required
Relocation Rights
Moving 25+ miles from facility
Medical/Disability
Yes — Significant physical disability for 6+ months certified by doctor
Last Updated
2026
Key Provisions:
Note: States without a specific health club statute are still covered by their general Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) laws. You can file complaints with your state attorney general's consumer protection division. All 50 states are listed above.
$29 · Certified mail included · Chargeback kit if needed
In October 2024, the Federal Trade Commission finalized its "Click to Cancel" rule requiring businesses to make cancellation as easy as sign-up. However, this rule faced legal challenges from the fitness industry.
As of 2025, enforcement has been delayed due to court proceedings. This means federal protections are currently limited, making state laws your primary source of consumer rights.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides special protections for active-duty military members, including the right to terminate gym memberships without penalty when entering active duty or deploying.
Disclaimer
ByeGym is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is compiled from publicly available state statutes and is provided for general informational purposes. We make no guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of this information. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
A cooling-off period is a legally mandated window (typically 3-5 business days) after signing a gym contract during which you can cancel for any reason without penalty. Most states with gym-specific laws include this protection.
Many states allow cancellation if you relocate beyond a certain distance (often 25 miles) from any gym location. States like California, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania explicitly include relocation as grounds for cancellation. However, some states only protect you when the gym moves — not when you do.
If your gym closes, you have the right to cancel and receive a pro-rata refund in most states. Some states set distance thresholds (e.g., Texas requires alternative facilities within 10 miles). Over 30 states have explicit facility closure protections.
Most states with gym-specific laws allow cancellation if you become unable to use the gym due to medical disability, usually with documentation from a doctor. Requirements vary — some states require the condition to last 3-6+ months.
Even without gym-specific laws, every state has an Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP) statute that provides consumer protection. If your gym refuses to cancel or continues charging after cancellation, you can file complaints with your state attorney general's consumer protection division. The SCRA also protects military members in all 50 states.
USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt provides legal proof of mailing and delivery. This is the gold standard for gym cancellation and is accepted in all states. ByeGym handles this automatically.
Knowing your rights is one thing. Exercising them effectively is another. ByeGym drafts and sends your cancellation letter:
We draft a cancellation notice referencing applicable state consumer protection statutes.
Your letter is sent via Certified Mail with Return Receipt — proof of mailing accepted by gyms and financial institutions.
Get real-time tracking and delivery confirmation documentation.
If your gym still charges you, we provide a chargeback kit with all the documentation you need.
We handle the paperwork, mail it certified, and give you proof of delivery.
Starting at $29 - Certified mail included