Contracts and subscriptions

A trial, gym membership or streaming subscription can keep costing money after you stop using it. Check the paid period and cancellation terms before you sign, then keep proof that your cancellation arrived.

Before you subscribe

Record the provider, customer number, start date, minimum term, price after any trial or discount, one-off fees, renewal rule and notice deadline. Save the offer and terms. Set reminders for before the trial ends and before the last cancellation date. Check whether a pause extends the end date and whether you can transfer or leave the contract if you move. A low monthly price can still mean a long commitment.

When monthly cancellation applies

For covered standard-form contracts for recurring goods or services made from 1 March 2022, section 309(9) limits the initial term to two years and the notice period before that term ends to one month. Automatic renewal must be indefinite and permit cancellation at any time with no more than one month’s notice. This does not make the initial term cancellable every month.

Article 229 section 60 of the Introductory Act keeps the earlier text of section 309 for an obligation that arose before 1 March 2022, so an older contract can retain different renewal rules. The provision has exceptions, including insurance. Telecom contracts have their own rules in the SIM and internet guide; do not copy this date test to every phone contract. Individually negotiated agreements and special contract types need their own assessment.

Use the cancellation button

Where a business offers covered paid ongoing consumer contracts through its website, section 312k requires an accessible cancellation function. It can also cover a contract you originally signed offline when that contract type is offered online. Statutory stricter-form contracts and financial services are excluded; do not apply this button rule to every tenancy or insurance policy.

Open Verträge hier kündigen or the equivalent, identify yourself and the contract, specify the desired end date, then submit with jetzt kündigen or the equivalent. Save the cancellation and the immediate electronic confirmation, including receipt time and requested end date. If the provider disagrees, check the lawful end date. Make sure you submit the form, not just start it.

If the required button or confirmation page is missing or inaccessible, document the problem and send a clear cancellation through another suitable channel. Section 312k(6) gives a right to cancel without a notice period where its button requirements are not met; seek advice if the provider disputes its application. Do not simply stop paying without addressing the contract.

Moving, unused memberships and disputes

A move, including abroad, does not by itself end a gym contract. Ask about a contractual move clause, transfer or negotiated release and get the result in writing. The consumer centre’s gym guidance is a place to get that help. Non-use, deleting an app, deregistering your address or blocking a debit does not cancel a valid subscription. Have a price-rise clause and the proposed increase checked before treating them as a way out of the contract.

Keep your notice, receipt, agreed end date and final bill. If charges continue, dispute them in writing with the confirmation attached and obtain consumer advice if unresolved. A returned debit can still leave a valid debt outstanding.