How to get rid of an agreement

  • Sergej Schuurman
  • How to
  • Edited 24 September 2024
  • 1 min
  • Rules and laws

You cannot tear up a contract just like that. Here are five ways in which you can end a contract.

1. Cancellation

If a party fails to honour its agreements, that is a default. For example, if you buy a blue car, but it later turns out that it is only available in green. That default can be severe enough to cancel a contract, preferably in writing.

You have to undo deliveries and payments back and forth. You do not have to go to court for that, unless the other party disagrees.

2. Termination

You can end a contract by terminating it. A long-term contract, such as a rental contract, can be ended that way.

Termination conditions are often stated in the contract or general terms and conditions. It is wise to terminate the contract in writing.

3. In consultation

An agreement can be ended by mutual agreement. Despite provisions in a contract or general terms and conditions, you can tear up an agreement with the other party.

Put this in writing so that you have proof. Also remember to sign that document together with the other party.

4. Annulment

Did you conclude a contract in which you were deceived or did you have to sign under threat? Then you can annul the agreement by sending the other party a written statement.

This also applies if you have been misled so much that, with the correct knowledge and information, you would never have concluded the contract. Or if you were unable to reach an agreement. If the other party does not cooperate, you can ask the court to annul the contract.

5. End of contract period

Sometimes you agree that a contract lasts for a certain period of time. After that period, the contract usually ends automatically.

Be careful, because with employment and rental agreements, you often have to confirm this in writing. If you do not, there is a chance that the contract will continue. 

Partial termination

You will not always want to do away with the whole agreement. It is possible to partially end an agreement. You can also temporarily freeze agreements or adjust the price in an agreement.

In a contract, or in the general terms and conditions, you can also indicate when the agreement will temporarily be suspended or ended. You can also specify when this is not possible. A reason for temporarily pausing an agreement is force majeure (overmacht in Dutch).

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