Consumer Protection - Automatic Renewals

Easier cancellation and safer subscription renewals

Beginning June 1, 2026, Maryland law protects consumers whose paid subscriptions or purchasing agreements renew automatically. Sellers must clearly explain renewal terms before filling the initial order, near the request for consent. For oral offers, disclosure must happen when consumers consent. Sellers must clearly explain cancellation methods and prices or subscription changes after a free gift or trial. For gifts or trials lasting more than 14 days, renewal notice is due 3–21 days before renewal. For accepted offers with an initial term of at least one year, notice is due 15–45 days before renewal. Cancellation must be timely, cost-effective, and at least as easy as signup, using the same medium. It must let consumers avoid renewal charges or increases and immediately stop recurring charges without unreasonable obstacles. Electronic cancellation cannot require a live or virtual representative unless signup involved one. Sellers must provide a direct cancellation link or button in account or device settings, or an immediately accessible alternative. That alternative can be an email form requiring no additional information. Phone cancellations must be handled promptly during normal business hours. In-person cancellation must match the signup method; mailed notice is allowed when bills go to the consumer’s address. Online account verification is allowed, but consumers unable or unwilling to verify must have another clearly provided cancellation method. Offers with an initial fixed term longer than one month require clear notice and consent before automatic credit-card charges. Specified insurance renewal practices, certain service-contract entities, and services regulated by Maryland’s Public Service Commission, FCC, or FERC are excluded. Following applicable state or federal renewal procedures, or holding a license under Maryland’s Title 18 occupational licensing rules, counts as compliance. Violations are unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices subject to government enforcement and penalties. The law does not create a private right to sue.