What is estoppel in simple words?
Asked by: Stacey Greenfelder | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (53 votes)
Estoppel is part of common law. It is a
What is the basic definition of estoppel?
Estoppel is a judicial device whereby a court may prevent or "estop" a person from making assertions or from going back on their word. The person barred from doing so is said to be "estopped". Estoppel may prevent someone from bringing a particular claim.
What is an example of estoppel?
An example of estoppel can be found in a case where someone has claimed title from a deed using an easement as a boundary marker in the legal description. The person claiming title from this deed cannot then claim that the easement never existed. He is estopped from contradicting the deed from which he derives title.
What is the purpose of an estoppel?
The purpose of an estoppel certificate is usually twofold: (1) to give a prospective purchaser or lender accurate information about the lease and the leased premises and (2) to give assurance to the purchaser that the tenant at a later date will not make claims that are inconsistent with the statements contained in the ...
What is the meaning of estoppel in one word?
Legal Definition
estoppel. noun. es·top·pel e-ˈstä-pəl. 1. : a bar to the use of contradictory words or acts in asserting a claim or right against another.
What is estoppel in simple words?
What is the principle of estoppel in simple words?
Estoppel is a crucial legal principle that prevents someone from denying their previous statements, promises, or actions. In simpler terms, if a person makes a promise or claim and another person acts based on that, the first person cannot later go back on their word.
Who pays for estoppel?
There is a fee for the Estoppel Certificate which is determined by the property management company and regulated by the condominium property law. Rush fees may be applicable. The cost of the Estoppel Certificate is the seller's responsibility.
What is the estoppel when buying a house?
This simply means that the estoppel letter you receive from the management company of the association or the association directly is a legally binding document that lists what dues, assessments, and other fees you will be responsible for after closing as the new owner and what the current owner owes.
What is estoppel in the UK?
In its most general sense, estoppel is an evidential rule preventing a person from denying or contradicting something previously asserted which that person has encouraged or permitted another party to accept.
When to use estoppel?
An estoppel is a useful tool to use in litigation that prevents an individual from going back on their word when they have mutually agreed a set of facts with a second party and the second party has relied upon those facts.
Is it illegal to estoppel?
Estoppel is part of common law. It is a legal principle that prevents someone from going back on their word to someone else and unfairly causing damage to someone else. If legal action is taken, the court can stop (or estop) an individual from rescinding a promise made to another party.
What are the rules 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 .
What are the three elements of estoppel?
- The promisor should reasonably expect to induce action or forbearance from the promisee;
- Such action or forbearance is in fact induced; and.
- Injustice can be avoided only by enforcement of the promise.[ 2]
What is an example of estoppel in real life?
For example, the tenant may claim promissory estoppel if their landlord promises a lease renewal at the end of the term at the same price but later tries to increase the rent for the renewal period.
What is the essence of the estoppel?
The basic concept of an estoppel is that where a person (A) has caused another (B) to act on the basis of a particular state of affairs, A is prevented from going back on the words or conduct which led B to act on that basis, if certain conditions are satisfied.
What are acts of estoppel?
The Texas Estates Code recognizes the doctrine, defining “child” as including a person adopted by “acts of estoppel.” For example, a child has been adopted by estoppel “when a natural parent delivers a child into the custody of others under an agreement between the parent and the custodians that the child will be ...
What is the point of an estoppel?
“The purpose of an estoppel statement is twofold: (1) to give a prospective purchaser or lender information about the lease and the leased premises and (2) to give assurance to the purchaser or lender that the les- see at a later date will not make claims that are inconsistent with the statements contained in the ...
What is estoppel for dummies?
Equitable estoppel is a legal doctrine that prevents a party from taking a position that is contrary to their previous position, if doing so harms the other party. This rule prevents someone from going back on their word in a court of law.
What is the literal meaning of estoppel?
estoppel | Business English
a legal rule which prevents someone from saying in court that something they have previously stated as true in court, or that has been established by the court as true, is in fact not true: The Court held that there was no estoppel.
Who pays for estoppel, buyer or seller?
The title company is responsible for ordering this document; the estoppel fee is usually paid by the seller. There is a trend, however, for this fee to be split between the buying and selling parties — or paid by the seller.
Why do lenders require estoppels?
This documentation helps lenders mitigate risk by verifying the financial stability and reliability of the property's income stream. By confirming key lease details, the estoppel certificate provides lenders with a clearer understanding of the property's cash flow and tenant obligations.
How do you argue estoppel?
Reliance: The party asserting estoppel must show that they relied on a false representation or concealment of material facts. The other party may argue that the person asserting estoppel did not actually rely on the false representation or that their reliance was not reasonable or foreseeable.
Can you sue for estoppel?
An agreement made by promissory estoppel will typically have the same binding effects on parties that a valid contract would. If a party breaches an obligation created by promissory estoppel, a court can choose to assign either reliance damages or expectation damages .
Who writes an estoppel letter?
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 are the legal requirements for 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 ...