Notice periods in contracts: the date that actually matters

The end date in a contract is rarely the date you must act on. The decision happens at end date minus notice period, and that date never puts itself in your calendar.

Two dates, one decision

Every term contract has an end date and, usually, a notice period. The end date is when the agreement stops. The notice deadline is the last day you can decide that it should. Miss the second and the first no longer matters.

Computing the action date

A contract running to 31 December with a three-month notice period requires notice by 30 September. After that date you are bound for the next term, whatever you think of the deal. If the contract says notice must be received, allow time for it to arrive.

Typical notice periods in Norwegian contracts

Commercial leases often carry six to twelve months. Supplier and SaaS agreements typically run one to three months. Framework agreements may have separate terms per call-off. Always read the actual clause; industry habit is not contract.

Where it hides

Notice periods often sit in a general terms appendix, not in the main agreement, and an amendment can change them. Read the latest version of every document that belongs to the agreement.

When the contract is silent

If no notice period is stated, the action date is effectively the end date, and the contract should be flagged for review. An unknown notice period is more dangerous than a long one, because nobody plans for it.

Evergreen agreements

Contracts without an end date still carry notice periods, and often a price adjustment at new year. Set a fixed annual review date, or the agreement will never be reconsidered.

What to do today

For each contract, write the notice deadline next to the end date, and put it in front of a named owner with enough warning to make a decision.