Consumers who paid for memberships with the now-closed Powerhouse Gym in Plainsboro must file complaints by March 15, 2015, with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs in order to receive restitution for the unused portion of their memberships.
Powerhouse Gym, formerly located at 10 Schalks Crossing Road, closed its doors in late October 2014. The Division of Consumer Affairs, which registers and regulates health clubs, has received about 200 consumer complaints to date concerning this location. Powerhouse Gym was incorporated under the name New Jersey Gym, Inc.
Powerhouse Gym was required to post a $50,000 bond when it initially registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bond will be used to fund customer restitution on a pro-rated basis.
Powerhouse Gym members seeking a refund must print out the Division’s complaint form (available online at www20.state.nj.us/lps/LPSCA_COMPL/docs/ocp.pdf) and submit the completed form along with a copy of the membership contract and proof of payment. Proof of payment can be a copy of a canceled check, a copy of a credit card statement with the payment reflecting gym membership circled, or the membership contract stating that membership fees were paid in full.
Members also are entitled to a refund if they did not pay in full but are looking to recoup a pro-rated portion of the amount that was paid.
Please note that if a Powerhouse Gym member has been provided an alternate health club to complete the membership term at no additional cost, he/she is not entitled to a refund. Consumers whose memberships expired before October 24, 2014 are not entitled to a refund.
The complaint form and copies of the membership contract and proof of payment must be sent to the Division of Consumer Affairs no later than March 15, 20015.