It's Not You, It's Me: Termination For Convenience Clauses

Breaking up a contractual relationship can be hard to do. Unless your contract includes express terms that provide otherwise, the only way to terminate is by agreement. A "termination for convenience" clause, which allows a party to terminate the contract without cause, can be a useful mechanism to end a contract and avoid costly disputes. This type of clause has become more common in the construction industry in recent years. However, it is crucial that the termination for convenience clause include clear and unambiguous language that sets out both how the clause is to be applied and what damages are to be paid to the other party when it is invoked.

Given the number of cases which involve disputes over termination for convenience clauses, these clauses are not always clearly written or understood. In contract disputes, courts seek to enforce and give effect to the bargain made between the parties. Generally, this does not include implying additional terms, interpreting ambiguous language in favour of the party seeking to rely on it, or expanding rights beyond what the contract states. Therefore, the express language included in a termination for convenience clause is critical to how a court will determine its operation. When the language is not clear, a complicated dispute requiring a trial to determine the outcome may be necessary. This defeats the intention and utility of an easy exit clause.

Clear language detailing when a termination for convenience clause may be invoked is key. For example, the 2016 version of the CCDC-3 Cost Plus standard form construction contract includes a termination for convenience clause that entitles an owner to terminate "if conditions arise which make it necessary". This language may invite the court to assess whether the termination was actually "necessary", as opposed to just being convenient for the party invoking it. By comparison, it may be preferable to include a clause which clearly sets out that a party may terminate the contract for its own convenience, at any time, for any reason, and without reliance on a default by the other party.

It is equally important to include clear language regarding the damages that are payable to the non-terminating party upon a termination for convenience. Given that a termination for convenience clause does not require a default, it is only logical and fair that the non-terminating party be compensated. Termination for convenience clauses should contemplate paying the...