Automatic Renewal Law
Under California's Automatic Renewal Law, Business and Professions Code sections 17600 through 17606, companies that charge you on a recurring basis must get your clear consent, disclose the terms plainly, and make cancellation easy. If a company signed you up without clear consent, hid the renewal terms, or made it difficult to cancel, you may be owed money back.
Some examples of ARL violations include:
Unclear consent: If you were charged for a recurring subscription without clearly agreeing to it, or the renewal terms were buried in fine print, that's a violation.
Hidden or misleading free trial terms: If a "free trial" automatically converted to a paid subscription without clear notice beforehand, the company may owe you a refund.
No renewal reminder: Companies are required to notify you before certain renewals, especially price increases. If you were charged without warning, that may be a violation.
Difficult cancellation process: If canceling required more effort than signing up, such as requiring a phone call, being placed on hold, or navigating a confusing multi-step process, that's against the law.
Continued charges after cancellation: If a company kept charging you after you believed you had successfully canceled, you may be entitled to a refund for those charges.
FAQs for ARL
-
Yes. If a “free trial” automatically converts into a paid subscription without clear disclosure or consent, that can violate ARL.
-
Most subscription‑based businesses, including:
Streaming services
Apps and online memberships
Gyms and fitness programs
Beauty or lifestyle subscription boxes
Software or digital tools
Meal kits and delivery services
-
Possibly. If the terms were buried in fine print, unclear, or not shown before checkout, that can violate ARL.
-
Charging after cancellation is a common ARL violation. You may be entitled to reimbursement.
-
We review your documents, investigate the subscription, identify violations, contact the company, and pursue refunds or compensation on your behalf.
Free Case Review
Have our team at Mauro Law Firm review your case, at no cost to you.
What happens after you submit:
Tell us what happened. It takes less than two minutes.
Our team reviews your situation at no cost.
We reach out to discuss your options, no obligation.