Hold Harmless Agreement Template
A hold harmless agreement is a private document where one party agrees not to hold another liable for injury, loss, or damage tied to a specific activity.
PDF ready · No upload needed.
Based on 36,664 reviews
How to fill in a hold harmless agreement
Three steps take you from blank page to signed release.
Open the template
Load the hold harmless agreement template in our editor without installing anything.
Fill in the agreement
Enter the parties, the activity, and the terms directly into the template fields.
Download the agreement
Save your completed hold harmless agreement as a ready-to-sign document.
What is a hold harmless agreement?
A hold harmless agreement is a written promise that one party will not pursue the other for injury, damage, or loss connected to a stated activity or property. It shifts risk away from the party providing a service, space, or equipment. Unlike a court filing, it carries no filing deadline or agency behind it — its force comes only from the signatures on it, so clear wording and defined scope matter.
Key Takeaways
- A hold harmless agreement limits liability
- Names the parties and the activity
- Signed by both sides to take effect
What does a hold harmless agreement look like?
The document opens by naming the two parties and describing the activity, property, or service involved. A middle section states the release of liability, followed by any conditions, exceptions, or insurance references. It closes with signature lines, printed names, and the date, sometimes alongside a witness or notary block. Many people look for a printable blank hold harmless agreement PDF, while a hold harmless agreement template Word file suits those who prefer to edit on screen first.
Who typically needs a hold harmless agreement?
Anyone offering an activity, service, or property with some risk attached benefits from one — landlords, event organizers, contractors, and equipment renters among them. A simple hold harmless agreement template works well when the risk is minor, while a hold harmless and indemnity agreement template suits situations where one party may also need to cover the other's legal costs.
Does a hold harmless agreement need to be notarized?
Most hold harmless agreement forms are valid with signatures alone, though notarization can strengthen the document if a dispute ever reaches court. Whether you need one depends on the activity's risk level and local practice. A release and hold harmless agreement template often includes an optional notary block so you can decide case by case.
Can both parties be protected under one agreement?
Yes — a mutual hold harmless agreement template protects both signers rather than just one, which suits partnerships, shared events, or joint projects where either side could cause or suffer a loss. Each party agrees not to hold the other liable, which keeps the arrangement balanced instead of favoring whoever drafted it.
Frequently asked questions
