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Aavenir Atlas early access is open Contractflow on the ServiceNow Store since 2019 Runs on ServiceNow, or standalone ProcureTech100 2025/26 Pioneering Digital Solution ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified, SOC 2 Type 2 compliant

Glossary

What is contract expiry?

Contract expiry is the end date of a contract, when the rights and obligations it sets stop applying unless the contract renews, is extended or is replaced.

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What happens at expiry

At expiry, the contract ends on its own terms. Some duties survive, such as confidentiality, indemnities and final payments, if the contract says so. A contract with an auto renewal clause will not expire unless notice is given in time, which is why the notice date matters as much as the end date.

Managing expiry well

  • Track dates. Keep end dates and notice windows on a central record, not in spreadsheets and calendars.
  • Set reminders. Alert owners well before the notice deadline.
  • Review first. Look at supplier performance and spend before deciding.
  • Decide. Renew, extend, renegotiate or let it end.
  • Close out. Settle what each side still owes and return data or assets.

How Aavenir handles it

Contractflow tracks end and notice dates on every contract and opens a decision ahead of the window, with performance and spend shown alongside. Renewal management keeps expiring contracts from renewing by accident or lapsing without a plan.

Example

A software subscription ends on 31 December, with notice required 90 days before to stop renewal. The date to track is early October, not year end. Miss it and the contract may renew for another term.

Keep reading

Contract renewal Contract renewal is extending a contract for a new term, either automatically under an auto renewal clause or by a decision and new agreement before the current term ends.Read more Contract extension A contract extension continues an existing contract for an extra period, usually under an extension option, sometimes with changes to terms such as price.Read more Contract termination Contract termination is ending a contract before or at the end of its term, under a right in the contract or by agreement, and closing out what each party still owes.Read more

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Common questions

What is the difference between contract expiry and termination?

Expiry is the contract ending at the close of its term. Termination is ending it early under a right in the contract or by agreement. Read about contract termination.

What happens if you keep working after a contract expires?

The parties may create an implied contract on the old terms, or a dispute about which terms apply. It is better to extend or renew in writing before the end date. Read about contract extension.

How far ahead should you prepare for contract expiry?

Work back from the notice date, not the end date, and leave time to review performance, run sourcing if needed and negotiate. Critical contracts need the longest lead time. See Contractflow.

Have a question we have not answered? Ask the Expert

Schedule a demo

See your contracts run on one record.

  • 1 A 30 minute walkthrough Built around your team, whether that is procurement, legal, IT or finance.
  • 2 Your contracts, not ours Bring a few sample agreements and watch Aavenir AI extract and review them.
  • 3 ServiceNow or standalone We show the deployment that fits the systems you already run.

Prefer to talk first? Contact the team.