Every person owning or operating a health club in New Hampshire must register that club with the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of the New Hampshire Department of Justice. A copy of the club's registration statement must be kept on file at the club for inspection by club members or members of the general public. The registration statement contains information on the club, its owners, the types of memberships offered, the type of equipment available to members and the number of members in the club. Most clubs must also post a surety bond or other financial security with the Bureau.
Every prepaid contract for health club service must be in writing and must be delivered to you at the time the contract is signed. Certain notices must be made a part of the contract, including a notice that you may cancel the transaction in writing any time before midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. If a health club closes or moves more than eight miles from its original location or if you die or become disabled, the club must give a pro-rated refund within 15 days of a request for the refund. If you are interested in joining a health club, ask the owner to provide a copy of the registration statement and contact the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau at 1-888-468-4454 (toll free) or (603) 271-3641 to determine if the club is bonded.
