> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.out-smart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.out-smart.com/backoffice/backoffice/contracts/understand-restarting-versus-renewing-contracts.md).

# Understand restarting versus renewing contracts

Restarting and renewing both continue a service agreement.

They do not work in the same way.

### Restarting a contract

Use **Restart contract** when the current contract period ends and the contract does not renew automatically.

This creates a new contract with the same conditions.

### Renewing a contract

Renewal depends on the selected contract terms.

When the terms allow automatic renewal, OutSmart can continue the agreement automatically when the end date is reached.

### How to choose the right approach

Use **restart** when you want manual control at the end of the period.

Use **renewal** when the agreement should continue automatically based on the term settings.

### Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Do I need to restart a contract that renews automatically?</summary>

No.

Automatic renewal handles that flow for you.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does restart use the same conditions?</summary>

Yes.

It creates a new contract with the same conditions.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Where is renewal controlled?</summary>

Renewal behavior is controlled in the contract terms.

</details>

### Related topics

* [**Create contract terms**](/backoffice/backoffice/contracts/create-contract-terms.md)
* [**Manage contracts**](/backoffice/backoffice/contracts/manage-contracts.md)
* [**Understand contract status**](/backoffice/backoffice/contracts/understand-contract-status.md)
* [**Contracts**](/backoffice/backoffice/contracts.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://knowledge.out-smart.com/backoffice/backoffice/contracts/understand-restarting-versus-renewing-contracts.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.