55Effect of joint contracts and liabilities

55 Effect of joint contracts and liabilities (1) Subject to this and any other Act: (a) a promise made by 2 or more persons is, unless a contrary intention appears, to be construed as a promise made jointly and severally by each of those persons; and (b) liability which is joint (but not joint and several) is not to be discharged, nor is a cause of action in respect of the liability to be extinguished, because of a fact, event or matter unless and to the extent only that the liability would be discharged or extinguished because of the fact, event or matter if the liability were joint and several. (2) In this section, promise includes a: (a) promise under seal; (b) covenant that is express or implied under this Act; and (c) bond or other obligation under seal. (3) This section applies only to a promise, liability or cause of action coming into existence after the commencement of this Act. Law of Property Act 2000 31