Gym Won't Refund Your Initiation Fee? Get Your Money Back.

DEMAND FOR INITIATION FEE REFUND [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, CA ZIP] [Phone] [Email] [Date] VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [Gym Name] [Gym Address] [City, CA ZIP] Re: Demand for Refund of Initiation Fee Member Name: [Your Name] Membership Number: [If known] Membership Start Date: [Date You Signed] Initiation Fee Paid: $[Amount] Dear [Gym Name] Management: I am writing to demand an immediate refund of the initiation fee I paid to your facility. This demand is based on my rights under California's Health Studio Services Contract Law (Civil Code 1812.80-1812.98). FACTS: 1. On [Date], I signed a membership agreement with [Gym Name] located at [Location]. 2. At that time, I paid an initiation fee (also known as enrollment fee/joining fee) of $[Amount]. 3. [Choose and customize the applicable reason:] [ ] On [Date], I submitted a written cancellation request within the 5-day cancellation period provided by Civil Code 1812.85. Under this law, I am entitled to a FULL refund of ALL payments made, including the initiation fee. [ ] On [Date], your facility closed/went out of business. Under Civil Code 1812.89, I am entitled to a full refund of all prepaid amounts, including the initiation fee. [ ] The initiation fee was not disclosed to me before I signed the contract. I was told the fee would be $[Quoted Amount] but was charged $[Actual Amount]. Under Civil Code 1812.82, undisclosed fees are not enforceable. [ ] Your sales representative promised to waive my initiation fee as part of a [promotion name/verbal promise]. I have [documentation type: email, text, promotional flyer, witness] confirming this promise. Despite this, I was charged $[Amount]. 4. Despite my request for a refund on [Date of refund request], you have failed/refused to refund the initiation fee. LEGAL BASIS: California Civil Code Section 1812.85 provides that any buyer may cancel a health studio services contract within five days of signing and receive a FULL refund of all payments. This includes initiation fees, enrollment fees, processing fees, and any other amounts paid. [If applicable, add:] Additionally, Civil Code Section 1812.82 requires all fees to be clearly disclosed in the contract. Any undisclosed fees are not enforceable against the consumer. DEMAND: I hereby demand: 1. Immediate refund of the initiation fee: $[Amount] 2. [If applicable: Refund of first month's dues: $Amount] 3. [If applicable: Refund of other fees: $Amount] TOTAL REFUND DEMANDED: $[Total Amount] Please issue this refund within ten (10) days of the date of this letter, as required by Civil Code 1812.85. If I do not receive the full refund within 10 days, I will: 1. File a complaint with the California Attorney General's Office 2. File a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs 3. Dispute all charges with my credit card company 4. Pursue legal action in small claims court, where I will seek not only the refund but also statutory penalties and court costs I would prefer to resolve this matter without legal action. Please contact me at [Phone/Email] to confirm the refund. Sincerely, _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] Enclosures: - Copy of membership contract - Receipt showing initiation fee payment - Copy of cancellation request (if applicable) - Promotional materials showing fee waiver (if applicable) - Communications regarding this dispute