What is a cure period in a contract?

A cure period is a set amount of time to fix a contract problem after notice. It often appears in termination clauses, breach sections, service agreements, leases, contractor agreements, and vendor contracts.

This guide is general information only, not legal advice. It explains the term as an organized starting point for reading your own contract.

Where cure periods usually appear

Cure periods often appear near language about breach, default, termination for cause, nonpayment, missed deadlines, or failure to perform. A contract may say that a party has 10, 15, or 30 days to cure after receiving written notice.

Details to locate

• How many days the cure period lasts
• What event starts the cure period
• Whether written notice is required
• Which breaches can be cured
• What happens if the issue is not fixed in time

Why it may matter

A cure period can affect whether a contract ends immediately or whether a party gets time to fix the issue. It can also affect timelines for payment, performance, delivery, and dispute discussions.

Questions to ask before signing

• Whether the cure period applies to all breaches or only certain breaches
• Whether the number of days is stated clearly
• Whether notice must be sent to a specific address or email
• Whether some events allow immediate termination without a cure period