California's automatic renewal law: what SMBs need to know
California has one of the strictest automatic renewal laws in the US. If you're doing business in California or buying from a California-based vendor, the ARL likely applies — and it gives you real rights.
What the ARL requires
Vendors selling auto-renewing subscriptions to California residents or businesses must: (1) present renewal terms clearly and conspicuously before the sale, (2) get affirmative consent to those terms, (3) send an acknowledgement with cancellation instructions, and (4) provide an easy cancellation mechanism.
The 2022 update
SB 313 requires vendors to allow cancellation online for online-signed contracts, and to send a renewal notice 15–45 days before renewal if the initial term was 12 months or longer.
What to do if the vendor didn't comply
You may have grounds to cancel and recover payments. Document the vendor's disclosures (or lack of them). Contact them in writing referencing §17602. Escalate to your state AG if needed.
This isn't legal advice
It's a summary. For real disputes, talk to a lawyer familiar with California consumer/commercial law.
Frequently asked
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