What are the requirements for estoppel?

Asked by: Manuel Runolfsdottir II  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (35 votes)

To establish estoppel, generally, one party must make a clear representation (act, statement, or concealment of facts) that they intended the other party to rely on, the other party reasonably relied on it, and that party suffered a detriment or harm as a result, preventing the first party from denying their original position when justice demands it. Requirements vary slightly by type (equitable vs. promissory) and jurisdiction, but core elements involve representation, reasonable reliance, and resulting injury/detriment.

What is required for estoppel?

Estoppel Certificate Components

In essence, it verifies and asserts claims made to the third party (either a lender or a buyer) by the landlord. Some of the most common details included in the certificate or letter are: Lease terms, including the start and end dates of the lease. The date of the last rent payment.

What are the grounds for estoppel?

At common law, estoppel by representation was a rule of evidence, the rule being that in litigation between the parties to the estoppel, one party would not be permitted to set up the disparity between the true facts and those which the other party had been caused to 'assume' to be the facts.

What are the key elements of estoppel?

The main ingredients of estoppel as defined in section 115 i.e., estoppel in paiis are: (1)there must be some representation, (2)the representation must be made with the intention to be acted upon, (3)the representation must have been acted upon.

What are the four requirements for promissory estoppel?

Requirements of a Promissory Estoppel

  • Promisor made a significant promise to cause the promisee to act on it. ...
  • Promisee relied on the promise. ...
  • Promisee suffered significant damage by relying on the promise. ...
  • Fulfillment of the promise is the only way the promisee can be compensated.

What is Promissory Estoppel? [No. 86]

19 related questions found

What are the 5 elements of promissory estoppel?

In analyzing the application of section 90, the Washington courts have established five requirements for recovery in promissory estoppel: “(1) a promise which (2) the promisor should reasonably expect to cause the promisee to change position and (3) which does cause the promisee to change position (4) justifiably ...

What are the test for estoppel?

For issue estoppel to be successfully invoked, three preconditions must be met: (1) the issue must be the same as the one decided in the prior decision; (2) the prior judicial decision must have been final; and (3) the parties to both proceedings must be the same, or their privies (Danyluk v.

What are the three types of estoppel?

by representation of fact, where one person asserts the truth of a set of facts to another; promissory estoppel, where one person makes a promise to another, but there is no enforceable contract; and. proprietary estoppel, where the parties are litigating the title to land.

What is the burden of proof for estoppel?

Estoppel is considered an affirmative defense and the burden is on the defendant to prove the requirements of the defense are met. Court Opinions; POL. Affirmative defenses such as estoppel must be pled by the defendant and should be raised at the first opportunity to avoid the risk of waiver.

Which 5 things must be present for promissory estoppel to operate?

Promissory Estoppel

  • The defendant made a clear and unambiguous promise.
  • The plaintiff acted in reliance on the defendant's promise.
  • The plaintiff's reliance was reasonable and foreseeable.
  • The plaintiff suffered an injury due to reliance on the defendant's promise.

Is an estoppel legally binding?

An estoppel certificate is a legally binding document whereby a tenant represents or promises certain things regarding its lease or rental agreement to be true.

What three conditions must be met before the principle of promissory estoppel can be applied?

The doctrine of promissory estoppel is invoked in the interests of justice when three conditions are met: (1) the promise is one that the promisor should reasonably expect to induce the promisee to take action or forbear from taking action of a definite and substantial character; (2) the action or forbearance is taken; ...

What are the requirements for equitable estoppel?

3d 462], the Supreme Court stated the four basic elements of estoppel: (1) the part to be estopped must be apprised of the facts; (2) he must intend that his conduct shall be acted upon, or must so act that the part asserting the estoppel had a right to believe it was so intended; (3) the other party must be ignorant ...

How to establish estoppel?

Promissory estoppel (also known as equitable forbearance)

To establish promissory estoppel, there must be an established legal relationship as well as a clear and unambiguous promise that for all intents and purposes was expected to be fulfilled whether it is express or implied.

Who prepares an estoppel certificate?

Estoppel forms are typically prepared by the seller or landlord attorney and included in the lease (or in the purchase and sale document). In some cases, the contents are the subject of some negotiation.

What problems does estoppel avoid?

Equitable estoppel prevents someone from taking a legal position that contradicts their previous actions or statements, when their doing so would harm someone else who accepted the original actions or statements in good faith and acted accordingly.

Who must prove the burden of proof?

The burden of proof, sometimes known as the “onus”, is the requirement to satisfy that standard. In criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecution, and the standard required of them is that they prove the case against the defendant “beyond reasonable doubt”.

What is estoppel in simple words?

In simple terms, estoppel is a legal rule that stops someone from going back on their word or changing their story if someone else reasonably relied on it and would be harmed by the change. It's like saying, "You can't deny what you said or did before, because I acted on it!". 

What is the defense of estoppel?

Estoppel is an equitable doctrine, a bar that prevents one from asserting a claim or right that contradicts what one has said or done before, or what has been legally established as true. Estoppel may be used as a bar to the re-litigation of issues or as an affirmative defense.

Why do you need an estoppel?

An estoppel certificate establishes the current status of the lease terms for a third party. Generally, the certificate requests that the Tenant verify that the rent is current or whether the Tenant has any potential claims against the Landlord.

What are the four elements of equitable estoppel?

To satisfy either form of equitable estoppel, the required elements are: (1) that a representation be made by the representor, (2) where the representee assumed or expected a future legal relationship, and (3) the representor induced the formation of an assumption, to which (4) the representee reasonably relied upon, ( ...

What is estoppel by deed?

Estoppel by deed is a doctrine that precludes individuals from arguing in court a position counter to what that person stated in a previous deed. The doctrine arises most frequently where someone deeded property they did not own, and later, they are involved in a dispute involving that property.

How to get estoppel in real estate?

Reach out to the association, their management company, or attorney to request the document. Confirm that unit address is within their jurisdiction. Ask what the fees and turnaround time is for the information. Be sure to ask if there are any other known associations affiliated with the address.

What are some famous estoppel cases?

Cases - Collateral estoppel or res judicata

  • Dupree v. Younger. ...
  • Federated Department Stores, Inc. v. ...
  • Ford v. Ford. ...
  • Lance v. Dennis. ...
  • Lucky Brand Dungarees Inc. v. ...
  • Parklane Hosiery Company, Inc. v. ...
  • Semtek International, Inc. v. ...
  • Taylor v. Sturgell.

How much is an estoppel?

The fee for an association or HOA management company to prepare an estoppel letter will vary widely and can cost anywhere from zero to $500. Additionally, payment is usually required up front, rather than at time of closing.