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California gym membership cancellation laws

Contracts for Health Studio Services · Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1812.80–1812.97 · Last verified October 21, 2026

California gives gym members a 5-business-day cooling-off period. It also lets you cancel at any time if you die or become disabled, or if you move more than 25 miles away and can't transfer to a comparable facility.

Write a California cancellation letter

Cooling-off period (right to cancel after signing)

You can cancel before midnight of the fifth business day of the health studio after the date of the agreement, not counting Sundays and holidays.

Cal. Civ. Code § 1812.85(b)

How to give notice

A signed and dated notice saying you are cancelling, mailed or delivered to the address in your contract. Recent versions of the law and some California gym agreements also allow email from the address on file. Verify with your gym.

Other reasons you can cancel

Disability / deathDisability or death: if a physician-verified disability keeps you from using the facilities, or you die, you (or your estate) are relieved of future payments, and prepaid amounts for unused services must be refunded. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1812.89(a))
Moving awayMoving: if you move more than 25 miles from the health studio and can't transfer to a comparable facility, you are relieved of future payments and prepaid unused amounts must be refunded. The contract may allow a predetermined relocation fee of up to $100 (lower later in the term). (Cal. Civ. Code § 1812.89(b))
Verify with your gym:
  • Whether your contract allows email cancellation, and the exact relocation fee in your contract.

These laws set minimum terms gym contracts must include. Your contract may give you more. Exemptions can apply (for example, some nonprofits). This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice; read the statute and your contract, or contact your state attorney general's consumer protection office.

Cancel a specific gym in California

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FAQ

Can I cancel a gym membership in California after signing?

You can cancel before midnight of the fifth business day of the health studio after the date of the agreement, not counting Sundays and holidays. (Cal. Civ. Code § 1812.85(b))

How do I give notice to cancel a gym contract in California?

A signed and dated notice saying you are cancelling, mailed or delivered to the address in your contract. Recent versions of the law and some California gym agreements also allow email from the address on file. Verify with your gym.

Can I cancel my gym membership if I move away from California?

Moving: if you move more than 25 miles from the health studio and can't transfer to a comparable facility, you are relieved of future payments and prepaid unused amounts must be refunded. The contract may allow a predetermined relocation fee of up to $100 (lower later in the term). (Cal. Civ. Code § 1812.89(b))

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