Auto renewal contracts have become a common practice among businesses in the United States. However, a lot of customers and consumers are not aware of their rights when it comes to these types of contracts. In Washington state, auto renewal contracts are legal, but there are certain provisions that businesses must follow to ensure that they are not violating consumer rights.

Auto renewal contracts, also known as automatic renewal or continuous service agreements, are contracts that automatically renew after a specific term or period. These contracts are commonly used by subscription-based services such as cable TV, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions. Under these contracts, the customer is automatically charged for the service or product until they cancel the contract.

In Washington state, businesses that offer auto renewal contracts are required to include certain provisions in their contracts. These provisions include:

1. Clear and Conspicuous Disclosures: Businesses must provide clear and conspicuous disclosures regarding the terms of the auto renewal contract. This includes the length of the renewal term, the cancellation policy, and the renewal rate.

2. Notice of Renewal: Before the renewal of the contract, businesses must provide customers with notice of the upcoming renewal. The notice must be provided at least 30 days before the renewal date. The notice must also clearly state the cancellation policy and how to cancel the contract.

3. Cancellation Policy: Businesses must provide customers with a clear and easy-to-understand cancellation policy. The cancellation policy must include how to cancel the contract, any fees associated with cancellation, and the deadline for cancellation.

4. Consent: Businesses must obtain the customer`s consent before they enroll in an auto renewal contract. This consent must be affirmative and not obtained through deception or coercion.

In addition, Washington state law requires businesses to provide customers with a copy of the contract or a confirmation of the contract after the customer agrees to enroll in an auto renewal agreement. Failure to follow these provisions can result in legal action, including fines and penalties.

In conclusion, auto renewal contracts are legal in Washington state, but businesses must follow specific provisions to ensure that they are not violating consumer rights. Customers should always read the terms of an auto renewal contract carefully and understand their rights before agreeing to enroll in such contracts. If a customer believes that a business has violated their rights, they should contact an experienced attorney or the Washington State Office of the Attorney General for assistance.