Collateral warranty
The term “collateral warranty” finds its roots in property law. In 1839 Francis Hilliard wrote: “A collateral warranty is where the heir neither does nor could derive his title to the land from the warrantor; and yet is both de-barred from claiming title and bound to recompense in case of eviction.”.[1] The concept of collateral warranty was sometimes regarded as “[…] the most unjust, oppressive, and indefensible in the whole range of common law.” .[2]
The meaning is different when considering the actual and most common use of the term. Today a collateral warranty generally defines an agreement ancillary to another principal contract and/or a letter of appointment. For the benefice of a third party, it imposes an extended duty of care and a broader liability on two separate parties involved in a contract. Collateral warranties may be provided by designers, building contractors and specialist sub-contractors. The need for collateral warranties exists when the party that commissions a building will not carry the burden in the event of defects.
For instance, when an architect is appointed to design a group of dwellings for a developer. If the developer intends to sell the building to a housing association, due to privity of contract the architect would normally only be contractually liable to the developer should defects arise. The collateral warranty establishes a contractual relationship between the housing association and the architect against defect.
References
- ↑ “An Abridgement of the American Law of Real Property”, by Francis Hilliard counsellor at Law, Volume II, entered accordingly to Act of Congress in the year 1839.
- ↑ “An Abridgement of the American Law of Real Property”, by Francis Hilliard counsellor at Law, Volume II, entered accordingly to Act of Congress in the year 1839.