Auto-renewal

Definição

An auto-renewal (or evergreen) clause automatically extends a contract for further periods unless a party gives notice within a set window. It ensures continuity but can trap parties who forget to cancel. Dutch consumer-protection rules (Wet Van Dam) heavily restrict silent renewal and long lock-ins for consumer contracts, requiring easy cancellation after the first renewal.

Exemplo

A gym membership renews for another year automatically; under the Wet Van Dam, after the first term it must instead become monthly cancellable.

Porque é um risco para a empresa

Auto-renewal clauses generate significant hidden cost for businesses that do not actively manage their contract portfolio. A SaaS subscription, office lease, or outsourcing contract that rolls over unnoticed can commit a company to another year of spend at rates that have since become uncompetitive. On the revenue side, suppliers rely on auto-renewal to retain customers who have disengaged.

Como gerir

• Log every auto-renewal clause and its notice window at the time of signing, not when the window is about to close.
• Set renewal review reminders at least 90 days before the notice deadline to allow time for evaluation and renegotiation.
• For B2B contracts, negotiate a mutual right to prevent renewal with reasonable notice rather than a one-sided auto-renewal that only benefits the supplier.

Referências jurídicas

• BW 6:236 sub j Dutch Civil Code: silent renewal of consumer contracts Direito neerlandês

Salvo indicação em contrário, as referências remetem para o direito neerlandês (Burgerlijk Wetboek, o Código Civil neerlandês); os instrumentos da UE, como o RGPD, aplicam-se em toda a UE. Esta é informação geral, não constitui aconselhamento jurídico. Outras jurisdições tratam estes conceitos de forma diferente. Verifique o texto em vigor e a sua situação com um advogado qualificado.