How To Write An Addendum Email: A Guide for Clear Communication

If you need to make a change or clarification to a previous agreement or document, you’ll likely need to write an addendum. This guide will walk you through How To Write An Addendum Email effectively, ensuring your message is clear, concise, and leaves no room for confusion. Let’s get started.

Understanding the Purpose of an Addendum Email

An addendum email is a follow-up communication that modifies or clarifies a previous email, agreement, or document. It’s crucial for several reasons:

  • It provides a record of the changes.
  • It ensures all parties are on the same page.
  • It helps avoid misunderstandings and disputes later on.

Here’s a breakdown of key elements to include when crafting your addendum:

  • Subject Line: Clearly state that it’s an addendum (e.g., "Addendum to Contract – Project Alpha").
  • Reference: Briefly refer to the original document or email.
  • Changes: Explain the specific modifications or additions. You can use a numbered list or bullet points for clarity.
  • Confirmation: State that the addendum supersedes the original information in those specific areas.
  • Action (if needed): Request acknowledgement or confirmation of the changes, especially if you need something from the recipient.

Writing a clear addendum email is essential for maintaining professionalism and preventing future complications. Here’s why you should care about crafting the perfect one:

  • Legal Validity: A well-written addendum email can hold legal weight, just like a physical document.
  • Clear Communication: It makes sure everyone is informed and agreed on changes.
  • Protect Yourself: It acts as proof and reduces chances of misunderstandings.

You can think of an addendum as an update to the original story. It’s like adding a new chapter to a book, a correction to a school assignment, or a note on a recipe.

Email Example: Addendum to a Job Offer (Salary Adjustment)

Subject: Addendum to Job Offer – [Your Name] – [Job Title]

Dear [Candidate Name],

This email serves as an addendum to the job offer for the position of [Job Title], which was sent to you on [Date].

We would like to clarify a detail regarding the salary offered. The initial offer stated an annual salary of $[Original Salary]. Due to a recent review of our compensation structure, we are pleased to offer an adjusted annual salary of $[Revised Salary].

All other terms and conditions of the original job offer remain unchanged.

Please confirm your acceptance of the adjusted salary by replying to this email by [Date].

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

Email Example: Addendum to a Contract (Revised Deadline)

Subject: Addendum to Contract – Project Phoenix – Revised Deadline

Dear [Client Name],

This email constitutes an addendum to the contract for Project Phoenix, signed on [Date].

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we require a slight adjustment to the project deadline. The original contract specified a completion date of [Original Deadline]. We now propose a revised completion date of [New Deadline].

We have adjusted the project plan to ensure timely completion, and the scope of work remains the same.

Please acknowledge this addendum by replying to this email.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

Email Example: Addendum to Meeting Minutes (Correction)

Subject: Addendum to Meeting Minutes – [Meeting Name] – [Date] – Correction

Dear Team,

This email serves as an addendum to the minutes of the [Meeting Name] meeting held on [Date].

We would like to correct an error in the “Action Items” section. The original minutes stated that [Incorrect Action Item]. The correct action item is [Correct Action Item].

Please update your records accordingly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

Email Example: Addendum to a Purchase Order (Quantity Change)

Subject: Addendum to Purchase Order #[Purchase Order Number] – Quantity Adjustment

Dear [Supplier Name],

This email constitutes an addendum to Purchase Order #[Purchase Order Number], issued on [Date].

We need to modify the order quantity for [Item Name]. The original order was for [Original Quantity]. Please adjust the order to [Revised Quantity].

All other terms and conditions of the original purchase order remain in effect.

Please confirm the revised order by replying to this email.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

Email Example: Addendum to a Lease Agreement (Adding a Tenant)

Subject: Addendum to Lease Agreement – [Property Address] – Additional Tenant

Dear [Landlord/Tenant Name],

This email serves as an addendum to the lease agreement for the property located at [Property Address], signed on [Date].

We would like to add [New Tenant Name] as a tenant to the lease. [He/She/They] will be residing at the property.

Please confirm your agreement to this addendum by replying to this email.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title/Role]

Email Example: Addendum to a Service Agreement (Scope of Work Change)

Subject: Addendum to Service Agreement – [Project Name] – Scope Adjustment

Dear [Client Name],

This email is an addendum to the Service Agreement for the [Project Name] project, dated [Date].

We would like to add [new service] to the scope of work outlined in the original agreement. This addition includes [specifics of new service, and a brief explanation].

The addition to the scope of work results in an adjusted total project cost of $[New Total Cost].

Please confirm your acceptance of this addendum by replying to this email.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

Email Example: Addendum to a Policy (Policy Change)

Subject: Addendum to [Company Name] – [Policy Name] – Policy Update

Dear Employees,

This email serves as an addendum to [Company Name]’s [Policy Name] policy, last updated on [Date].

We are updating Section [Section Number] of the policy to reflect [New Information]. The original policy stated: [Original Policy]. The updated section now states: [Updated Policy].

All other terms and conditions of the original policy remain in effect. Please review the updated policy document, attached to this email.

Please acknowledge receipt of this addendum by replying to this email.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title/Role]

In conclusion, writing an effective addendum email requires clarity, accuracy, and a professional tone. By following the guidelines and examples provided, you can ensure that your addenda clearly communicate changes and prevent any potential misunderstandings. Remember to always reference the original document, state the specific changes, and request confirmation if necessary. This will help you maintain clear and effective communication in all your business dealings.