separate written agreement
Definition
A separate written agreement is a standalone contract that exists on its own, apart from any other contracts you may have with the same person or business. When a contract mentions that something requires a separate written agreement, it means you cannot rely on a verbal conversation or an email thread to make it official — you need a brand new, signed document specifically addressing that topic.
Example
Your lease might say that any permission to sublet your space requires a separate written agreement, meaning your landlord verbally saying 'sure, go ahead' at a holiday party would not legally protect you.
Watch Out
If a contract says something needs a separate written agreement and you skip that step, you may have no legal protection even if the other party promised you something face to face.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.