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Washington gym membership cancellation laws

Health Studio Services · RCW 19.142 · Last verified October 21, 2026

Washington gives 3 business days to cancel. Contracts must also allow cancellation for death or total disability, for moving more than 25 miles (with conditions), and, for contracts longer than a year, for any reason on 30 days' written notice.

Write a Washington cancellation letter

Cooling-off period (right to cancel after signing)

Cancel by delivering or mailing written notice before midnight of the third business day after you sign. The studio must return what you paid within 30 days.

RCW 19.142.040(9)

How to give notice

Written notice delivered or mailed to the health studio at the address in the contract.

Other reasons you can cancel

Disability / deathDeath or total disability: you may cancel. The contract may require a physician examination agreeable to both sides. (RCW 19.142.040(7)(a))
Moving awayMoving your permanent residence more than 25 miles from the studio (or an affiliated studio offering similar services at no extra cost): you may cancel. If your contract runs longer than one year, this applies after one year from signing. If you already lived more than 25 miles away when you signed, you must move an additional 5+ miles. (RCW 19.142.040(7)(b))
OtherContracts longer than one year can be cancelled for any reason on 30 days' written notice. (RCW 19.142.040(7)(c))
Club closes or movesThe facility closes permanently with no comparable facility within 10 miles: you may cancel. (RCW 19.142.040(7)(d))

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 Washington

FAQ

Can I cancel a gym membership in Washington after signing?

Cancel by delivering or mailing written notice before midnight of the third business day after you sign. The studio must return what you paid within 30 days. (RCW 19.142.040(9))

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

Written notice delivered or mailed to the health studio at the address in the contract.

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

Moving your permanent residence more than 25 miles from the studio (or an affiliated studio offering similar services at no extra cost): you may cancel. If your contract runs longer than one year, this applies after one year from signing. If you already lived more than 25 miles away when you signed, you must move an additional 5+ miles. (RCW 19.142.040(7)(b))

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