Legal Definitions - hell-or-high-water clause

A hell-or-high-water clause is a provision in a lease agreement that requires the lessee to continue making full rent payments to the lessor, regardless of any issues with the leased property. This means that even if the property is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise unsuitable for use, the lessee is still obligated to pay the full amount of rent.

For example, imagine that a business owner leases a storefront for their shop. The lease agreement includes a hell-or-high-water clause, which means that even if the building is damaged in a flood or fire, the business owner must continue to pay rent as if nothing had happened.

Another example might be a car lease agreement that includes a hell-or-high-water clause. If the car is involved in an accident and is no longer drivable, the lessee is still required to make their monthly payments until the end of the lease term.

These examples illustrate how a hell-or-high-water clause can be a significant financial risk for lessees, as they are responsible for paying rent even if the leased property is unusable or destroyed.