diff --git a/doc/source/developer-docs/scripts.rst b/doc/source/developer-docs/scripts.rst
index bd51ecfaa1..0b46f43cd7 100644
--- a/doc/source/developer-docs/scripts.rst
+++ b/doc/source/developer-docs/scripts.rst
@@ -180,6 +180,11 @@ Release notes may be built locally by executing:
 
 .. _the reno tool: http://docs.openstack.org/developer/reno/usage.html
 
+.. note::
+
+   The ``releasenotes`` build argument only tests committed changes.
+   Ensure your local changes are committed before running the
+   ``releasenotes`` build.
 
 Gating
 ^^^^^^