Several Covenant: Key Insights into Its Legal Meaning and Application

Definition & Meaning

A several covenant is a type of agreement made between two or more parties, where each party's obligations are distinct and separate. This means that if one party fails to fulfill their part of the agreement, the other parties can still pursue their claims individually. In essence, each party can act independently regarding their respective interests in the covenant.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: Two business partners enter into a several covenant to pay a supplier. Partner A agrees to pay $500, while Partner B agrees to pay $300. If Partner A fails to pay, the supplier can still pursue Partner B for their payment.

Example 2: In a property lease agreement, several tenants may sign a lease with separate rental obligations. If one tenant fails to pay their share, the landlord can pursue that tenant without affecting the other tenants' obligations. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Key Difference
California Several covenants may be governed by specific real estate laws that require additional disclosures.
New York In New York, several covenants in real estate often require notarization to be enforceable.
Texas Texas law may impose different requirements for several covenants in commercial leases compared to residential leases.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Difference
Joint Covenant An agreement where all parties share the same obligations. In a joint covenant, parties must act together, unlike in a several covenant.
Indemnity Agreement A contract where one party agrees to compensate another for certain damages or losses. Indemnity agreements focus on compensation rather than separate obligations.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself involved in a several covenant, it's important to understand your rights and obligations. You may want to:

  • Review the terms of the covenant to ensure clarity.
  • Consider using legal templates from US Legal Forms to draft or modify your agreement.
  • Seek professional legal assistance if the situation becomes complex or if disputes arise.

Quick facts

  • Type: Contractual agreement
  • Involves: Multiple parties
  • Obligations: Separate for each party
  • Legal action: Can be pursued individually

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A several covenant is an agreement where multiple parties have separate obligations, allowing them to act independently.