How do I cancel a contract with a multi-year auto-renewal clause?

Most contracts with auto-renewal language require you to give written notice before the renewal kicks in. The notice period is often 30, 60, or 90 days before the end of the current term. If you miss that deadline, the contract usually renews automatically.

You'll also want to check for early termination clauses. Some agreements allow you to cancel early, but there may be fees or penalties attached. These details should be spelled out in your contract.

In addition, certain state laws may give you extra rights or protections. For example, some states regulate auto-renewal clauses for consumer contracts, such as gym memberships or subscription services. These rules may require businesses to give you clear renewal notices or allow easier cancellation. Some states also have unfair-contract statutes that may offer additional protections if a long-term contract is extremely one-sided or unusually hard to cancel.

If the notice period has already passed, you may be bound to the renewal. But the exact answer depends on your contract's language, the type of agreement, and the laws where you do business.

What to consider in your specific situation

While the basics apply to most auto-renewal agreements, your specific options depend on the details of your case. Factors that may affect your ability to cancel include:

• The type of contract you signed (service, lease, membership, vendor, etc.).
• The exact wording of the auto-renewal and termination clauses in your agreement.
• Which state's laws apply to your contract and whether they regulate auto-renewal terms.
• Whether you've already missed the written notice deadline required to stop renewal.
• The financial and business impact of ending — or continuing — the contract.

Because every contract and business setup is different, it can help to learn more about how these rules apply to your situation. You can ask your own question in Rocket Copilot to get legal information about contract renewals, or connect with a Legal Pro to learn more about your options.