I signed a one-year contract with a gym in 2025, then stopped going. I emailed them saying I wanted to cancel the contract, but they keep charging my card. They're saying that the email I sent doesn't count as official notice. What are my rights?
I dealt with a similar situation - a friend of mine spent a month writing to support through regular emails, and they kept ignoring her until she blocked her card at the bank and sent a registered letter with a detailed inventory directly to the club's office at the same time. After that they found common ground pretty quick. The key thing is to document everything: a registered letter, screenshots of your correspondence in your account (if you have one) with dates, bank statements showing the unauthorized charges. At the same time, file a complaint with your bank about the unauthorized payments - that often works faster than trying to negotiate with the club.
Demand a documented confirmation of notification - either a registered letter with proof of delivery or a message through the gym's personal account (if available), where the sending and reading date will be recorded. If the gym continues charging you after receiving such a notification, that's unlawful collection, and you can demand a refund through your bank (dispute the charges as unauthorized) or through court. Check your contract - it usually specifies the termination methods; if it says mail is the official way, the gym is obligated to follow the contract, and you have every reason to file a claim.
Request a statement of transactions and submit a written complaint - through the club's personal account if they have one, or by registered mail with a delivery confirmation. In your complaint, specify exact dates and amounts of the charges, demand termination of the contract and a refund of the overpayment. Keep all screenshots of your correspondence - these are proof that you notified them of your intention to terminate the agreement.
If they keep charging you after receiving such a letter, that's no longer just negligence on their part - it's a violation of consumer protection laws. In that case, you can file a complaint with Rospotrebnadzor or sue them in court. The court will side with you if it's clear you tried to resolve the issue properly and they ignored you. Plus, in cases like this, there can be compensation awarded in your favor.
The main thing is everything has to be in writing with a date. They'll just deny any verbal agreements, same as they would a regular letter sent by mail. Get everything documented properly from the start, and you'll have solid ground in any conversation with them.
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