How to Cancel Your
Rent the Runway Subscription
Paying $89-235/month for a revolving closet of designer clothes? Rent the Runway is great until you realize your rental habit costs more than buying clothes outright. Here is how to cancel -- but make sure you return ALL items first, or you will be charged for them.
Quick Overview
Difficulty
MediumTime
~5 minutes
Method
Website / App
Cost
$89-235/month
Cancel on the Rent the Runway Website
Return ALL rented items first
This is the most critical step. Return every single item you have rented before canceling. RTR will charge you the full retail price for any unreturned items. Use the prepaid shipping labels and drop them at a UPS location. Wait until tracking confirms delivery.
Log in to your RTR account
Go to renttherunway.com and sign in with your email and password. Check your account to confirm all items show as returned. If any items are still showing as checked out, wait until they are processed.
Navigate to Membership settings
Go to your Account, then Membership or Subscription. You will see your plan (4-item, 8-item, or 16-item rotation), next billing date, and current status.
Click Cancel Membership
Click Cancel Membership. RTR will present retention offers -- a pause option, a cheaper plan, or credits. If you want to fully cancel, decline these and complete the cancellation flow.
Verify cancellation and check for pending charges
Save your cancellation confirmation. Check your email and bank statement over the next few days to make sure no charges for unreturned items appear. If you see unexpected charges, contact RTR support immediately.
Alternative: Pause Your Membership
Consider pausing instead
If you might want RTR again later, pausing your membership keeps your account active without charges for a set period. Go to Membership settings and look for the Pause option. This is better than canceling if you plan to return seasonally.
Choose your pause duration
RTR typically allows pauses of 1-3 months. During the pause, you cannot rent items but you avoid monthly charges. Your account, favorites, and rental history are preserved.
Pro Tip: Return Items BEFORE Canceling
Seriously, return everything first. Rent the Runway will charge you the full retail price for any unreturned items, which can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Use UPS drop-off locations, get tracking numbers, and confirm delivery in your RTR account before starting the cancellation process.
What Happens After You Cancel Rent the Runway?
No more monthly charges
Once canceled, your monthly subscription fee stops at the end of your current billing period. Make sure all items are returned before this date.
You lose your rental spots
Your item rotation spots (4, 8, or 16) are released. If you rejoin later, the same plan or pricing may not be available. Membership slots sometimes have waitlists.
One-time rentals still available
You can still use Rent the Runway for one-time event rentals without a membership. This is great for weddings, galas, or special occasions -- you just pay per item rather than a monthly fee.
Watch for unreturned item charges
Check your bank statement for 2-3 weeks after canceling. If RTR claims an item was not returned (even if it was), contact support with your UPS tracking receipt as proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund from Rent the Runway?
RTR generally does not refund monthly membership fees. If you cancel mid-cycle, you keep access until the end of your billing period. For billing errors or overcharges on unreturned items, contact support with evidence and they will investigate.
What if RTR says I did not return an item?
Keep your UPS tracking numbers and drop-off receipts. If RTR charges you for an unreturned item you know you sent back, contact support with the tracking information. They can trace the package and reverse the charge.
Can I cancel Rent the Runway on the app?
Yes, you can manage your membership through the RTR app. Go to Account > Membership to find the cancel option. The process is similar to the website.
Is there a cheaper RTR plan I could switch to?
RTR offers multiple tiers. The 4-item plan is the cheapest at around $89/month. If you love the service but find it expensive, downgrading to fewer items may be a better option than canceling entirely.
What happens to my rental insurance?
If you had RTR's damage protection, it ends with your membership. For one-time rentals, insurance is included in the rental price. You are not liable for normal wear and tear, but major damage or stains may result in charges.
Track Rent the Runway & All Your
Subscriptions in One App
Subcut reminds you before charges hit, tracks every billing date, and gives you one-tap access to cancellation guides. No bank connection needed.
Download Subcut FreeFashion subscriptions adding up? Subcut tracks every recurring charge so nothing sneaks past you.