Writing a Termination of Contract Letter to Client (with Sample)
Use this sample termination of contract letter to client as template for your successful termination letter.
Last updated on December 1, 2023
Contracts are legally binding agreements between two parties for the exchange of goods or services. If the contract is no longer meeting the requirements for with it was intended, it may be terminated.
Businesses and professionals sign contracts with many clients for various purposes, and if they want to cancel the contract, the first step is to write a termination of contract letter to the client.
Conditions for Termination
In most cases, when a contract is first proposed, it will contain the conditions for termination on which both parties agree. A termination of contract letter may also be called a notice of contract termination and a notice of cancellation of contract.
Businesses and professionals sign contracts with many clients for various purposes, and if they want to cancel the contract, the first step is to write a termination of contract letter to the client.
Conditions for Termination
In most cases, when a contract is first proposed, it will contain the conditions for termination on which both parties agree. A termination of contract letter may also be called a notice of contract termination and a notice of cancellation of contract.
It is wise to make the letter short and to the point. It is not necessary for the letter to contain multiple reasons for the contract termination.
As long as any terms and conditions give in the contract for termination are met, one or at the most two reasons is enough. The writer should also be careful not to make any statements or admissions in writing that could be used against them in court proceedings.
Cancellation Fees
When terminating a contract, the person should make sure they know all the terms and conditions for terminating that particular contract.
There may be a timeframe within which the letter must be delivered, a particular person to whom the letter must be addressed, and there may be specific information about the termination that must be included in the letter, especially if money is involved such as the return of a deposit, outstanding fees and any cancellation fees.
As long as any terms and conditions give in the contract for termination are met, one or at the most two reasons is enough. The writer should also be careful not to make any statements or admissions in writing that could be used against them in court proceedings.
Cancellation Fees
When terminating a contract, the person should make sure they know all the terms and conditions for terminating that particular contract.
There may be a timeframe within which the letter must be delivered, a particular person to whom the letter must be addressed, and there may be specific information about the termination that must be included in the letter, especially if money is involved such as the return of a deposit, outstanding fees and any cancellation fees.
For example, the terms of the contract may state that no refund will be provided if the contract is cancelled or that the person cancelling has to continue to make payments even if they cancel the contract. In some cases, both parties may mutually agree to the termination of the contract.
If the contract is illegally terminated, there is the possibility the other party could file a court case against the person who cancelled the contract. For this reason, it’s important to follow the terms and conditions for terminating a contract.
The following points should be included in the letter:
If the contract is illegally terminated, there is the possibility the other party could file a court case against the person who cancelled the contract. For this reason, it’s important to follow the terms and conditions for terminating a contract.
The following points should be included in the letter:
- The services for which the contract is being terminated
- The reasons for the termination
- An account number if applicable
- The date on which the termination is effective
- The termination is in accordance with the terms of the contract
- The reason for termination
- Any payments due if applicable
Professional Communication
The letter should be polite even if the writer is angry with the client. It is not professional to call the client a liar or use other angry or combative language.
Any professional communication should always be polite and courteous because it is a business transaction, but a termination letter should be polite because there is always the chance the parties may want to do business again in the future.
A conciliatory tone will also get better results from the other party and not send them into anger and the desire to go to court. The letter should be drafted to avoid any loopholes which could allow the other party to sue for damages or breach of contract.
Below is a sample termination of contract letter. Since it is a formal notification, it should be written in standard business letter style. If the company or person has letterhead, that should be used.
If the letterhead has the address of the person or company, that address need not be included. In order for the writer to have proof that the letter was sent on a specific date as per the conditions of the contract and that the letter was received, it is recommended to send it by certified mail with return receipt requested.
Sample Termination of Contract Letter to Client
LETTERHEAD
DATE
Name of Client
Name of Business of Client
Address of Client
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Termination of contract for SPECIFIC SERVICES
Dear Name of Client:
This letter is formal notification that NAME OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY will no longer be maintaining the property at ADDRESS. We have regularly maintained the property including the landscaping and repairs and maintenance for that past 18 months, however after the first year, we have not received payment for services.
I have enclosed copies of the unpaid invoices of the last two quarters. We sent two reminders, of which I have enclosed copies, and received no response.
As of DATE, we are no longer contracted to continue the property management of ADDRESS. We have followed the terms and conditions set down in the contract for cancellation of said contract. The company will be pursuing the unpaid bills through legal means. If you have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or Email Address.
Sincerely,
Signature of Company Representative
Printed Name of Company Representative
List of Enclosures: Copies of Invoices and Request for Payment Letters
By Andre Bradley
Interesting Finds