Contingency period
The window of time a contingency stays active. Once it passes without action, the contingency is usually treated as satisfied and can no longer be used to back out.
Your Room opens on this part of the sale, with the offer and everything before it already ticked.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.
See how it worksWhere this comes up: under contract
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
The deadlines are what turn a maybe into a sale. Once the inspection window closes with no notice, that door is shut; until it closes, the buyer can still leave for that reason.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
Ratified on the 1st with a ten-day inspection contingency. On the 11th, with no notice from the buyer, the inspection contingency is treated as satisfied.
| When the buyer speaks | What it means for the deposit |
|---|---|
| Day 8: asks for repairs | Inside the window; the negotiation is open |
| Day 10: sends notice they are walking | Inside the window; the deposit usually goes back to them |
| Day 14: finds a problem and wants out | The window closed; leaving now may cost the deposit |
The window is what makes a contingency temporary. The date matters as much as the reason.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That a contingency lasts until closing. Most expire on a date in the contract, and after it the buyer's reasons for leaving get expensive.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines contingency period in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.