Waarborg

Waarborg is a Dutch term that denotes a guarantee, security, or warranty intended to protect a party against loss or non-performance. The word can refer to several related concepts in legal and commercial contexts, including a formal guarantee issued by a third party, a security deposit held to secure obligations, or a seller’s warranty on goods. Etymologically it combines waar (sure) and borg (pledge or security).

In contract law, a waarborg can take different forms. A bank guarantee is a financial instrument in which a bank commits to pay a specified amount if the principal fails to meet obligations. A security deposit, known as een waarborgsom or borgsom, is money deposited to cover potential breaches or damages and is typically returned when the contract obligations are fulfilled or at the end of the lease or agreement. A third-party guarantee or surety provides assurance that the obligor’s duties will be fulfilled.

In housing rental markets, the term is commonly used to refer to a security deposit paid by the tenant to the landlord to cover unpaid rent or damages. The amount, conditions for use, and return procedures are usually specified in the lease and governed by local regulations.

In commerce and manufacturing, a waarborg can also refer to the warranty or guarantee offered by manufacturers or sellers. A product warranty may cover defects for a defined period, with remedies such as repair, replacement, or refund.

In finance and public usage, related concepts include bank guarantees and guarantee funds (waarborgfonds) that protect consumers, contractors, or other stakeholders against specified risks.

See also: garantie, borgtocht, bankgarantie, waarborgfonds.