Domain expiry

A domain that lapses takes the site and its email down, and someone else can register it.

What it is

Every domain is rented for a fixed period. When the period ends without renewal, the domain stops working and, after a grace period, goes back on sale.

Why it matters

A lapsed domain breaks the site, the email on that domain and every sign in link that relies on it. A buyer of the freed domain can receive the mail meant for you, including password resets. Tenty rates an expired domain critical, one that ends within 7 days high and within 30 days medium.

How Tenty checks it

Tenty asks the registry for the expiry date through RDAP, and falls back to WHOIS where RDAP is unavailable. The check reads the expiry line only.

How to fix it

Renew the domain at your registrar and switch on automatic renewal. Add a second payment method and a calendar reminder a month before the date.

How to reproduce

whois YOUR-DOMAIN | grep -i expir

The date in the answer is the expiry date.