Töövõtuslepingud

Töövõtuslepingud, often translated as work contracts or service contracts, are legal agreements in Estonian law where one party, the contractor (töövõtja), commits to performing a specific work or providing a service for another party, the client (tellija), in exchange for remuneration. These contracts are governed by the Law of Obligations Act (Võlaõigusseadus).

The core elements of a töövõtusleping include the definition of the work or service to be performed, the agreed-upon price or remuneration, and the deadline for completion. The contractor is obligated to carry out the work in a manner that is consistent with the contract, applicable standards, and general good practice. The client, in turn, is obliged to accept the completed work and pay the agreed-upon price.

Key aspects covered by these contracts include the contractor's responsibility for the quality of the work and the materials used, unless otherwise agreed. The client typically has the right to inspect the work during its performance and upon completion. If the work is found to be defective, the client may have remedies such as demanding rectification, a price reduction, or, in severe cases, withdrawing from the contract.

Töövõtuslepingud are distinct from employment contracts, as the contractor is typically an independent entity or individual who is not subject to the client's direct supervision or control regarding the manner of performing the work. This distinction is important for tax and social security purposes. The specific terms and conditions of a töövõtusleping can be widely negotiated between the parties, but certain legal provisions provide a framework for their interpretation and enforcement.