Hold Harmless Agreement Template

A hold harmless agreement, also known as an indemnity agreement, is a legal document that protects one party from liability for losses or damages in specific situations. This agreement establishes clear terms for risk transfer between parties and provides legal protection for activities or services.

What This Template Is For

This template is designed for businesses and individuals who need to establish liability protection in various situations, including: contractor services, property usage, event participation, equipment rental, and business partnerships. It creates a legally-binding arrangement where one party agrees not to hold another party liable for specified risks or damages.

When To Use This Template

Use this hold harmless agreement template when:

• Providing professional services or contracting work
• Organizing events or activities with inherent risks
• Renting or lending equipment or property
• Entering business partnerships requiring risk allocation
• Protecting against third-party claims

How To Customize It

Follow these steps to customize your hold harmless agreement:

1. Clearly identify all parties involved (indemnitor and indemnitee)
2. Specify the scope of activities or services covered
3. Define the exact risks and liabilities being transferred
4. Include any specific exclusions or limitations
5. Add relevant state laws and jurisdictional requirements
6. Include signature blocks and notarization if required

Common Use Cases

This agreement is commonly used in:

• Construction projects between contractors and property owners
• Recreational activities and sports events
• Commercial property leases
• Professional service contracts
• Equipment rental agreements

Best Practices

To ensure your hold harmless agreement is effective:

• Use clear, specific language to define protected activities
• Include precise dates and locations
• Specify whether the agreement is unilateral or reciprocal
• Have the document reviewed by legal counsel
• Ensure all parties understand the terms before signing

Template Variations

Common variations include:

• Unilateral hold harmless agreements
• Reciprocal hold harmless agreements
• Limited form indemnification
• Broad form indemnification
• Intermediate form indemnification

Success Stories

Our template has helped:

• Construction companies establish clear liability terms with subcontractors
• Event organizers protect themselves during high-risk activities
• Property owners define liability boundaries with tenants
• Small businesses protect their interests in service contracts

Frequently Asked Questions