Glossary Archive

Hold Harmless Clause A Hold Harmless Clause is a contractual provision in which one party agrees to assume the liability and protect the other party from any claims, damages, or losses that may arise in relation to a specific activity or situation. This type of clause is commonly found in service contracts, lease agreements, and...

Holdback Escrow Agreement A Holdback Escrow Agreement is a legal arrangement commonly used in real estate transactions and business sales, where a portion of the purchase price is held in escrow to address potential future liabilities or contingencies. This agreement ensures that certain funds are set aside after the closing of a transaction to protect...

Holdover Tenant Dispute A holdover tenant dispute arises when a tenant remains in a rental property after their lease has expired without the landlord's consent. This situation can lead to various legal issues between the landlord and the tenant, as it involves the tenant's right to continue occupying the property versus the landlord's right to...

A holographic will is a type of will that is handwritten and signed by the testator (the person making the will). Unlike formal wills, which must adhere to specific legal requirements such as being witnessed and notarized, a holographic will may not require these formalities, making it a more informal and personal document. A holographic...

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Agreement A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Agreement is a financial contract between a lender and a borrower that allows the borrower to access a line of credit secured by the equity in their home. This type of agreement is commonly used for home improvement projects, debt consolidation,...

Homeowners’ Association Bylaws Homeowners’ Association Bylaws are the governing documents that outline the rules, regulations, and management structure of a homeowners' association (HOA). These bylaws serve as a framework for the operation of the HOA and establish the rights and responsibilities of its members. The bylaws typically include essential provisions such as the process for...

Homeowners’ Association Covenant Enforcement Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Covenant Enforcement refers to the mechanisms and processes by which a homeowners’ association ensures compliance with the rules, regulations, and standards set forth in its governing documents, such as covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These documents are designed to maintain property values and promote a harmonious community living...

The Homestead Exemption is a legal provision that removes some or all of the property taxes on a homeowner's primary residence, thereby providing financial relief to homeowners. In Texas, the Homestead Exemption can significantly reduce the property taxes owed on a home by allowing homeowners to exempt a portion of their property’s value from taxation....

The Homestead Probate Exemption is a legal provision that allows for the exemption of a primary residence from certain probate processes and taxes, protecting it from being sold to satisfy debts after the owner’s death. In Texas, the Homestead Probate Exemption is particularly significant. Under Texas law, a surviving spouse or child may inherit the...

Homestead Rights refer to legal protections afforded to a homeowner regarding their primary residence, which can affect various aspects of estate planning, probate, and creditor claims. Homestead Rights typically provide a homeowner with a degree of security against the forced sale of their home to satisfy debts or creditors. These rights can vary significantly by...