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Glossary

Notice period

Short answer

A notice period is the minimum time a party must give between sending a valid notice and the moment its effect takes place, such as termination or non-renewal. It is counted in calendar or business days, starts when notice is given or deemed received, and decides the last safe date to act.

By Pactinel editorial teamReviewed on October 22, 2026

Notice periods appear in almost every operational clause: non-renewal, termination, price changes, assignment and audit. Each has its own length, so a single contract may contain several.

How to count

Three questions settle most disputes:

  1. Calendar or business days? If the contract does not say, assume calendar days and check applicable law.
  2. When does counting start? On the day the notice is sent, delivered, or deemed received.
  3. Which day is the last day? Many clauses require notice "at least" a number of days before a date, so the notice must be received by the day that number of days earlier.

Example calculation

A term ends on June 30 and requires 90 days' written notice of non-renewal.

  • 90 calendar days before June 30 is April 1.
  • The notice must be received on or before April 1.
  • If the clause uses deemed receipt of three business days after posting, mail it well before: a letter posted on Thursday March 28 may not be deemed received before April 2.

The safest practice is to calculate the deadline, subtract delivery time, and set a reminder with margin.

Compare notice clause, which governs the form and delivery of notices.

This is general information, not legal advice.