Cancelling subscriptions is an important consumer right in the Netherlands, including for residents of Utrecht. After the minimum contract period, you can generally cancel on a monthly basis. Automatic renewal for long terms is not permitted. In Utrecht, you can seek free advice from Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht if you need help with cancellations.
General Rules in the Netherlands
Since 2012, these basic rules have applied to subscriptions, which also apply in Utrecht:
- After the initial contract period: cancellable monthly
- Notice period no longer than 1 month
- Tacit renewal only for indefinite duration
- Cancellation must be as straightforward as subscribing
Minimum Contract Duration
The initial phase of a subscription may last a maximum of:
- 1 year for most services
- 2 years for telecom subscriptions (with device subsidy)
If you live in Utrecht and run into issues, seek help from Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
How to Cancel
You have options for how to cancel, as long as it matches the subscription method:
- Via the website (if online subscription was possible)
- By email
- By registered mail
- By phone
Cancellation Button on Websites
Since 2022, webshops must provide a clear cancellation button if online subscription is possible. This ensures that cancelling in Utrecht is as easy as subscribing.
Newspapers and Magazines
For subscriptions to newspapers and magazines in the Utrecht region:
- Trial subscriptions may not automatically convert to paid fixed subscriptions
- After the first year, you can cancel monthly
In case of problems, you can turn to the Rechtbank Utrecht for legal support.
Gym Memberships
Gyms in Utrecht, such as those in the city center or neighborhood centers, fall under the same legislation. After the first year, monthly cancellation is possible. Be wary of contract clauses that try to bind you longer; check this with the Municipality of Utrecht or Het Juridisch Loket for advice.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.