diff --git a/java/google/registry/model/domain/GracePeriod.java b/java/google/registry/model/domain/GracePeriod.java
index b56eaaa53..0e85435e8 100644
--- a/java/google/registry/model/domain/GracePeriod.java
+++ b/java/google/registry/model/domain/GracePeriod.java
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ public class GracePeriod extends ImmutableObject {
       DateTime expirationTime,
       String clientId,
       Key<BillingEvent.Recurring> billingEventRecurring) {
-    checkArgumentNotNull(billingEventRecurring);
+    checkArgumentNotNull(billingEventRecurring, "billingEventRecurring cannot be null");
     return createInternal(type, expirationTime, clientId, null, billingEventRecurring);
   }