Connecticut health clubs now have 10 days to acknowledge cancellation requests

The new state law makes the cancellation process easier for consumers. Last year, the DCP received more than 40 complaints about health clubs’ billing practices.

HARTFORD, Conn. — A new Connecticut law requires health clubs across the state to acknowledge cancellation requests within 10 days to make the exit process easier for consumers.

The state Department of Consumer Protection issued a release on Tuesday encouraging residents to understand their rights before signing up for gym or health club memberships.

The DCP received 60 complaints in 2025 about health clubs, and 73% of them regarded billing practices.

These complaints outlined difficulties consumers experienced with cancelling a contract, placing a membership freeze, unauthorized or duplicate charges and cancellation fees.

DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said that entering the new year, people throughout Connecticut are being flooded with gym and health club enrollment deals. He noted that January can be an ambitious time and that it is easy to leap into commitments without reading the fine print.

“We always encourage consumers to make healthy lifestyle changes, but more importantly, we remind them to take their time, read through the contract and ask questions before they enroll. Don’t let your New Year’s resolution become a New Year’s headache,” Cafferelli said.

Before signing up for a health club, DCP officials say residents should do their research, visit the facility, review the contract and ask questions.

It is also important to know one’s rights as an existing or new health club member.

Health club contracts cannot automatically renew except after a one-month trial period. Also, after signing up, consumers have a three-day right to cancel.

Cancelling a contract if the health club no longer provides amenities is also possible, and health clubs that close cannot reassign a person to another location without their consent.

If a consumer cancels their membership, health clubs must honor that. If one cancels their contract, the health club is required to provide written confirmation of the cancellation within 10 days and must include an effective date, according to state law.

The DCP also offers a Health Club Guaranty Fund for consumers who had a health club contract with a location that closed down or moved. They may be eligible for reimbursement if their application is approved.

More information regarding how to file a complaint about a health club to the DCP can be found on its website.

Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.

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Connecticut health clubs now have 10 days to acknowledge cancellation requests

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