Auto Renewal Clauses, and How to Stop One in Time

Where the clause hides in the document

It is rarely under a heading that says auto renewal. Look for wording about the term, the expiry, or continuation of the agreement.

The phrase to search for is usually "unless either party gives notice", followed by a number of days.

That number is the only date that matters. Everything else in the clause is detail.

Once you have the date, do this

1. Diarise the date the notice window opens. That is a different date from the lease end, and it is the one people miss.
2. Put a second reminder two weeks before the window closes.
3. Give notice in writing even where a phone call is allowed, and keep the acknowledgement.
4. Giving notice does not commit you to leaving. It preserves your right to choose.

Missing the window is not the end of it

If the clause has already triggered, the agreement usually continues for a further term on the same conditions.

Some agreements roll to a shorter period, often month to month, which is easier to exit than a full further year.

An early exit from the renewed term is still possible in most cases, though there is normally a cost. The break fee page explains how those are calculated.

Ask the supplier directly. A renewal that has just triggered is sometimes reversible where you ask promptly.

How our agreements handle the end of the term

Your lease does not renew automatically. We contact you well before the end date to confirm your choice, and you decide from three options: upgrade to a newer device, continue on your current equipment at a reduced rate, or return it at no cost. Nothing rolls over automatically without your written approval.

That contact happens well before the end date, so the choice to return, renew or replace is made deliberately rather than by default.

The reason is simple. An agreement that continues because a customer forgot a date is not a customer who wanted to stay.

This page describes how these agreements are generally written in Australia. It is general information, not legal advice, and your own agreement governs your position.