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Unfair Contract Terms: What You Can Do
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a term in a consumer contract is unfair if, contrary to good faith, it causes a significant imbalance in rights to your detriment, and an unfair term is not binding on you. Examples Citizens Advice gives for gyms include automatic renewal without your permission and a minimum term of more than one year.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Law
Unfair Terms Are Not Binding
A term is unfair if, contrary to the requirement of good faith, it causes a significant imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations to the detriment of the consumer. An unfair term of a consumer contract is not binding on the consumer, although the consumer can choose to rely on it (Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 62). source
Examples
Unfair Terms
You may also be able to cancel without paying if the contract has unfair terms, such as automatic renewal without your permission, a minimum term over one year, significant changes to the facilities, or significant mid-contract price rises. source
Minimum Terms and Notice
A minimum term of more than one year may be unfair. You will probably have to give notice to cancel, for example 30 days, even where you can cancel without paying. source
Unfair Charges
Unfair or unevidenced charges may be challenged under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 yearMinimum term that may be unfairMore than one year
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Find the exact wording of the term in your contract.
Step 2 of 4
Write to the business, explain why you think the term is unfair and not binding, and say what you want. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 4
If you paid by card, ask your card provider whether it can help.
Step 4 of 4
Get free advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service, who can also pass a report to Trading Standards.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
The gym refuses and you need advice on your next step.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and the gym will not refund or keeps charging you.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep a copy of the contract and any terms you were shown when you signed up.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/62 Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/cancelling-a-gym-membership Checked 12 October 2026
- civilhelp.co.uk/travel-consumer/car-hire-disputes Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 12 October 2026