vahendusleping

A vahendusleping is a contractual arrangement in Estonia that formalises a guarantee or warranty provided by one party to another. The term is commonly used in both consumer and business contexts, where a seller, manufacturer, or guarantor pledges to cover certain defects or issues arising from a product, service, or transaction over a specified period.

The core elements of a vahendusleping include the identities of the parties, a clear description of the warranty-covered goods or services, the duration of the guarantee, and the conditions under which the guarantor will honour its obligations. It also specifies any limitations, exclusions, or procedures for claiming warranty repairs or replacements. While such contracts are not mandated by law for all transactions, they complement Estonia’s Civil Code provisions, which govern contractual obligations and consumer protection.

Estonia’s Consumer Protection Act imposes additional duties on sellers when delivering goods to private customers, mandating a minimum warranty of two years. In commercial transactions, parties often negotiate longer or more detailed warranties, especially for high-value assets like machinery or real estate. The vahendusleping may be incorporated into a sales contract as an addendum or expressed as a standalone agreement; its enforceability relies on the clear, written, and signed form.

In practice, consumers should review the vahendusleping before completing a purchase to understand repair responsibilities, claim timelines, and any costs that may not be covered. For businesses, drafting a comprehensive vahendusleping can mitigate future disputes and enhance reputation, while ensuring compliance with relevant legal standards.