The title poses a question.

A recent situation arose where there was only $1 left on the hosting balance, which was less than the monthly subscription fee. In preparation to move out of this hosting, the decision was made to download files and dump the database. However, an error message appeared stating that "Access is closed." After contacting tech support, it was discovered that due to the lack of funds on the account, access to the files and database had been restricted. Access could be enabled for a fee of $3, which would cover an entire month.

The legitimacy of these actions by the hosting company is in question. Should access to the database be restricted if funds are lacking? It should be noted that the site has already been turned off.

Another concern is whether it is possible to request all files and dumps in the form of an archive when terminating the contract. We are seeking the opinions of lawyers and those who have dealt with similar issues.

Services are prepaid and non-payment results in blocked service provision, which is in accordance with the law. The contract specifies the cost of services at $3, and agreement was reached on this point at the time of contract conclusion. Therefore, requesting access with only $1 on the account is strange.

While persuasive arguments may be appropriate for everyday relationships, a contract with a hosting company is governed by legal regulations. Both parties are obligated to fulfill their contractual obligations, and failure to do so allows the other party to renounce the contract, as seen in the example given.

It is essential to understand contractual obligations and adhere to them accordingly, rather than relying on persuasion or personal relationships.

To prevent such unjust actions (which are generally unreasonable, as previously explained to you), hosts often find it easier to provide backup or unblock accounts before the end of the day, even if they are technically correct based on the contract. The contract obligates hosting providers to store data for a period (which can range from a few days to two months after the account has been blocked), but they are not obligated to provide services or access.

One useful tip is that the host must return any unspent funds to you. If you are terminating your hosting service, any leftover funds should be returned to your balance, which you can then withdraw. This can be done by referring to the Rules for the Provision of Telematics Services.

understand such contractual obligations and use them to protect yourself in such situations. Additionally, maintaining respectful communication with the hosting provider can make dealing with such issues smoother and more efficient.