Horrible treatment of their tenants

Very disappointed with the treatment of their tenants.

See below my email to Planet Fitness Head Office:

Dear Planet Fitness Head Office,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to formally raise a concern regarding the handling of my tenancy and the recent notice to terminate my lease at Planet Fitness Potchefstroom, where I operate Fueled Health Bar.

I purchased Fueled Health Bar in 2024 for R150,000 from the previous owner. At the time, Planet Fitness issued me with a 12-month tenant agreement, which thereafter transitioned into a month-to-month arrangement. The process followed during my purchase was clear, structured, and supported by Planet Fitness management at the Potchefstroom branch.

In 2025, I made the decision to sell the business. This intention was communicated transparently to the branch manager, who was involved throughout the process. In January 2026, I secured a buyer who paid the agreed purchase price. I was advised by Planet Fitness Potchefstroom management, in consultation with head office, that I would need to provide three months’ notice and that they would assist both myself and the incoming tenants with the transition process.

It is important to note that I followed the exact same procedure that was app**** when I purchased the business, with full visibility and guidance from Planet Fitness Potchefstroom management at every stage.

On 4 February 2026, I received a call from Bernhardt (Regional Operational Manager), who informed me that I was not permitted to sell the business without his approval, citing my month-to-month contract. A meeting was held on 5 February 2026, during which he indicated that while Planet Fitness had an alternative preferred tenant (Plato), this was not part of their 2026 planning. He further stated that there would be no issue in granting a lease to my buyer, provided their proposal met Planet Fitness requirements.

I communicated these requirements to the buyers, who agreed to undertake the requested renovations. Their proposal was formally submitted on 6 February 2026.

Following submission, I experienced significant difficulty in obtaining feedback from Bernhardt. Communication was inconsistent, with multiple messages and calls going unanswered despite the time-sensitive nature of the matter. On 3 March 2026, I directly requested clarity on whether another tenant was being considered. Bernhardt confirmed that this was not the case and indicated that Planet Fitness was satisfied with the proposal submitted by my buyers.

Subsequent to this assurance, all further communication attempts were ignored. No feedback or updates were provided until 16 March 2026, when I was issued with a one-month notice to terminate my contract.

This outcome is deeply concerning and has resulted in significant financial prejudice, including the effective loss of my invested capital and the inability to conclude the sale that was conducted in good faith and in alignment with the process previously endorsed by Planet Fitness.

I would like to express my disappointment in the manner in which this matter has been handled, particularly in light of: • The lack of clear and timely communication • The deviation from the process previously followed and supported by Planet Fitness • The assurances provided that were not honored • The financial impact this has had on me as a business owner

I respectfully request urgent clarification on the following: 1. The reasons for the decision to terminate my lease despite the ongoing sale process 2. Why my buyer’s proposal was not formally approved or declined within a reasonable timeframe 3. Whether there is an opportunity to reconsider the decision and allow the sale to proceed under the agreed conditions

I trust that Planet Fitness will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and look forward to your prompt response in seeking a fair resolution.