Consumer Law, Warranties New Years Eve Party Dilemma

[SDgal]

Hello,

We are planning to lease our residential loft style property for 24 hrs for a New Years Eve after party to a bar owner (he will charge at the door, will also provide alcohol, DJ and security). Will a contract that basically lists that we are not liable for anything that happens to any person during that time relieve us from any legal actions at the party or after the party between the bar owner and myself?

Your help will be greatly appreciated

 

[dee_dub]

Simply stating in the contract that you are not liable during the time will not be sufficient. For starters, if the contract provides that you are not liable for anything during a certain period of time, it will not relieve you from liability for things that happen after that time. A guy gets drunk. You're not liable for what he does during the lease - great. He's still drunk after the lease (and your denial of liability) expires - who's liable then? He drives home and smushes another car - now what?

You should see a lawyer - someone who knows the laws of occupier's liability and social host responsibility - to draft the contract or at least to give you their opinion that you are sufficiently protected.

There are several provisions you might want to put in the contract to protect yourself. You'll want a complete indemnity from the bar owner for any damages suffered by any person as a result of the party. You'll want the bar owner to be responsible for any damage caused to the property. You'll want the bar owner to have adequate insurance (whatever that might be).