Consumer Protection in Utah for Subscription Services and Automatic Renewals
Plain-English guide to disclosures, consent, renewal notices, cancellations, and enforcement
Ever been charged for a subscription you forgot to cancel? You are not alone. Across Utah, more people are finding themselves stuck in recurring payments that are difficult to stop. That is why Utah has strengthened its laws around automatic renewals to make sure companies clearly tell you what you are signing up for and how to cancel.
Utah Law Explained breaks down these rules so both consumers and businesses understand their rights and obligations under the state’s Automatic Renewal Law.
What Utah’s Automatic Renewal Law Covers
Utah’s Automatic Renewal Law (found in Utah Code §13-2-5 and related provisions) focuses on transparency and fairness in recurring charges. Whether you are signing up for a streaming service, a gym membership, or a meal kit delivery, businesses must follow strict disclosure and cancellation requirements.
- Clearly disclose renewal terms. The renewal period, price, and cancellation process must be presented in plain, noticeable language.
- Obtain your affirmative consent. You must actively agree to the terms; pre-checked boxes or hidden fine print do not count.
- Provide easy cancellation. Businesses must offer a simple online or in-app way to stop renewals, not buried behind customer service barriers.
These disclosures ensure that consumers can make informed choices and avoid surprise renewals or hidden fees.
What Notices Must Be Given Before Renewal?
If your subscription renews automatically for more than one month, Utah law generally requires that you receive a clear renewal notice before your credit card is charged again. That notice must include:
- The renewal date
- The renewal term
- Instructions for how to cancel
Failure to send this notice can make the renewal invalid and could entitle you to a refund.
What Are Your Rights to Cancel or Get a Refund?
Under Utah’s consumer protection framework, you can cancel a renewal at any time according to the stated process. If a company fails to honor a valid cancellation or continues to charge you after you have withdrawn consent, you can file a complaint with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP).
The DCP has authority to investigate violations, issue fines, and enforce compliance. Businesses that repeatedly ignore the law may face penalties under Utah’s Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP) provisions.
How Businesses Can Stay Compliant
For Utah businesses offering subscriptions, compliance means more than just adding a checkbox. Companies should:
- Review all sign-up flows and make renewal terms conspicuous.
- Send advance renewal reminders where required.
- Provide an online “click-to-cancel” option.
- Keep proof of consent for at least the duration of the subscription.
Doing so builds consumer trust and protects against enforcement actions or class-action lawsuits.
Quick Q&A
Q: Do free trials count as subscriptions under Utah law?
A: Yes. If a free trial converts into a paid subscription automatically, the business must clearly explain that before the trial starts and allow easy cancellation before billing.
Q: Can I dispute an unauthorized auto-renewal charge?
A: Yes. You can contact your card issuer to block or reverse charges and report the issue to Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection.
Q: Does this apply to all companies, even national ones?
A: If the service is sold or renewed in Utah or involves Utah residents, the law applies regardless of where the company is based.
Video & Social Learning Hub
YouTube: Auto-Renewals & Your Rights
Make Sense of Your Subscription Rights
Consumers can stop unwanted renewals and businesses can avoid penalties by understanding Utah’s updated automatic renewal and subscription laws. The key takeaway: clear terms, easy cancellations, and informed consent protect everyone involved.
Talk to a Utah AttorneyFor more Utah-specific legal explainers written in plain English, visit Utah Law Explained, explore our mission on the About Us page, or connect with trusted counsel like Gibb Law Firm. This article is educational information, not legal advice.