North Dakota § 51-37-02 - Use of automatic renewal

§ 51-37-02. Use of automatic renewal

1. A person that sells or offers to sell merchandise or a service for a specified period under an agreement containing a provision for automatic renewal shall: a. Present the terms of the automatic renewal offer in a clear and conspicuous manner before a subscription or purchasing agreement is fulfilled and in proximity to the offer; b. Provide an acknowledgment that includes the terms of the automatic renewal offer and information regarding how to cancel in a manner which is capable of being retained by the buyer; and c. Provide a cost-effective, timely, and simple procedure for cancellation which must be described in the acknowledgment required by subdivision b. 2. A person that sells or offers to sell merchandise or a service for a specified period under an agreement that contains a provision for automatic renewal for a period of more than six months at the end of the time period specified in the agreement shall provide a clear and conspicuous written notice to the buyer stating the buyer may cancel the contract and avoid automatic renewal. a. The written notice must be provided by: (1) First-class mail; (2) Electronic mail; or (3) Any easily accessible form of communication, including text message or a mobile application, if the consumer specifically authorizes the person to provide notice in such form. b. The written notice must include the procedure for canceling and must be given at least thirty days and not more than sixty days before the date upon which the agreement will be renewed or the expiration of the period for cancellation. 3. If there is a material change in the terms of an agreement that contains a provision for automatic renewal, the seller shall provide the buyer with clear and conspicuous notice of the material change and provide information regarding how to cancel in a manner which is capable of being retained by the buyer. 4. A person that sells or offers to sell merchandise or a service for a specified period under an agreement that contains a provision for automatic renewal may not make or submit any charge to a buyer's credit card, debit card, bank account, account with a third party, or other financial account, unless the person has complied with the requirements of subsection 1 and obtained the buyer's affirmative consent to the agreement containing the terms of the automatic renewal. 5. The renewal period in a provision for automatic renewal of an agreement may not exceed twelve months.