law
estoppel
Estoppel is a legal doctrine that prevents a person from denying or asserting something that contradicts their own earlier words or conduct when another person reasonably relied on it to their harm. In real estate it appears in agency by estoppel, where a principal is bound by a person who appeared to be their agent, and in estoppel certificates, where a lender or tenant confirms facts that they cannot later dispute.
- Exam tip
- Estoppel is about being barred from contradicting yourself after someone relied on you. Watch for it in agency created by appearance and in estoppel certificates.
- Example
- A tenant signs an estoppel certificate stating rent is $2,000 with no disputes. After the building sells, the tenant cannot claim a lower agreed rent.
Related terms & state variants
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Last verified: 2026-10-23