Exchange of contracts can't take place unless the buyer and seller have agreed to a completion date.
Starting a contract without a clear end date raises critical questions about duration and termination rights. These agreements—often referred to as "indefinite" or "perpetual" contracts—remain active until specific events trigger their end.
Breach of contract happens when one party to a valid contract fails to fulfill their side of the agreement. If a party doesn't do what the contract says they must do, the other party can sue. You lend a friend $15,000.
The Basics of Open-Ended Contracts Open-ended contracts remain valid and enforceable until one or more parties take action to terminate them. Unlike agreements with set durations, these contracts operate based on the following factors: Type and purpose of the contract. Intentions of the parties at the time of signing.
An indefinite employment contract, or permanent contract, is a type of employment contract that does not have a specific end date. Under an indefinite contract, an employee works for an employer until either party terminates the agreement.
What to Do if Your Contractor Doesn't Finish the Job: How to Handle Unfinished Contract Work Talk to Your Contractor. Keep Talking—and Document Everything. Make a Definitive Decision. Tap Their Bond. Contact the Better Business Bureau. File a Suit in Small Claims Court. Hire an Attorney.
The contract does not become open-ended and the contractor is still obliged to complete the works. Time being at large simply means that the completion date is not specified or calculable by reference to the contract and must therefore be determined with reference to what is reasonable in the circumstances.
Matthew Howat, Co-Founder and Commercial Disputes Partner at Howat Avraam Solicitors, comments: Backdating documents is a surprisingly common request from clients. However, under UK law, a contract can create (or confirm) rights relating to past events so there's no need for them to be backdated.
Contracts without explicit end dates are subject to "reasonable duration" rules. Courts often examine factors such as business context and industry norms.