Last Updated: April 2023
Estoppel certificates are signed documents that are typically requested from tenants by landlords or property sellers to verify existing lease agreements. These certificates confirm specific details of the lease, ensuring clarity and preventing potential disputes down the road. By cementing the current terms and conditions, they provide confidence to prospective buyers or financiers.
We’ve reviewed all rental property estoppels across the internet, so you don’t have to.
Top 5 Free Estoppel Certificate Templates
We’ve reviewed rental property estoppel certificates across the internet. Below is our comprehensive list of the best free estoppel certificate templates for landlords and property managers, as well as our top pick.
RentalRealEstate Top Pick
eForms Estoppel Certificate
Why We Like the eForms Estoppel Certificate Template
The eForms estoppel is our top choice due to its comprehensive nature, yet simple setup, which helps minimize potential oversights.
FreeForms Estoppel Certificate
Why We Like the FreeForms Estoppel Certificate Template
The FreeForms estoppel template stands out for its straightforward, user-friendly design, making the verification of lease terms seamless for tenants.
Fannie Mae Estoppel Certificate
Why We Like the Fannie Mae Estoppel Certificate Template
The Fannie Mae estoppel offers a meticulous template that assists in diligently confirming all vital details, minimizing potential discrepancies in lease data.
Yarro Estoppel Certificate
Why We Like the Yarro Estoppel Certificate Template
The Yarro estoppel offers a robust format that ensures all relevant lease data is communicated and confirmed.
Leasing Professional Estoppel Certificate
Why We Like the Leasing Professional Estoppel Certificate Template
The Leasing Professional estoppel template streamlines the certification process with its clear, easy-to-understand format and concise instructions.
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What is an Estoppel Certificate?
Estoppel Certificate Definition
An estoppel certificate is a legal document utilized in real estate transactions, where a tenant verifies the current terms of their lease agreement to a third party. This certificate confirms the status, modifications, or any defaults on the lease, effectively preventing the tenant from later contradicting the terms stated therein. It serves as a protective measure for potential property buyers or lenders, ensuring transparency and accuracy of the lease’s conditions.
Estoppel Certificates Explained
Estoppel certificates act as a tenant’s confirmation of their lease’s terms, ensuring that everyone is on the same page about the existing arrangement. For instance, when a property owner decides to sell or refinance the property, the new buyers or lenders want to know the status of any leases. This is where estoppels comes in, solidifying facts like how much rent is due, the lease’s expiration date, and any deposits held. It’s a tool for transparency and assurance, offering a safeguard against future disagreements or disputes.
Rental Property Estoppel Certificate FAQ
What Information Should be Included on an Estoppel Certificate?
An estoppel certificate is a crucial document in real estate transactions involving rental properties, ensuring transparency and confirming the terms and conditions of an existing lease. By having a tenant complete this document, buyers can be confident in the information presented during the sale process. This certificate acts as a safeguard against potential discrepancies or misunderstandings about the lease’s current status and details. It’s vital for both buyers and sellers to understand and ensure the accuracy of the details contained within.
- Tenant and Landlord Information: This section identifies the tenant’s name, landlord’s name, and any relevant contact details, establishing the parties involved in the lease agreement.
- Property Description: A detailed description of the rental property, including its address and any specific unit or suite number, ensures clarity about the subject property.
- Lease Terms: This specifies the commencement date, termination date, and any renewal options or terms associated with the lease, offering clarity on the lease’s duration.
- Monthly Rent: The current monthly rent amount should be clearly indicated, allowing for validation against lease documents and financial expectations.
- Security Deposit: Information about any security deposit paid by the tenant at the start of the lease helps verify funds that might be returnable at the lease’s end.
- Existing Claims: Any existing claims or rights the tenant may have against the landlord, like unfulfilled maintenance requests or other concerns, should be noted.
- Rent Prepayments: Details regarding any rent prepayments or advanced payments made by the tenant provide clarity on future rent obligations.
- Lease Modifications: Any modifications, amendments, or side agreements made after the original lease was signed need to be indicated to ensure full transparency.
- Default Status: Confirmation that neither party is in default under the terms of the lease, or if there is a default, a detailed description of the specifics.
- Option Rights: Details on any option rights, such as rights of first refusal or options to renew or purchase, that are part of the lease agreement.
Why are Estoppel Certificates Important?
Estoppel certificates are essential because they confirm and validate the terms, conditions, and status of a lease agreement, ensuring transparency for potential buyers or lenders. They serve as a protective measure against future disputes or misunderstandings by documenting the current conditions of the lease. Additionally, they provide assurance to parties in real estate transactions, especially during property sales or financing activities.
What Happens if a Tenant Refuses to Sign an Estoppel Certificate?
If a tenant refuses to sign an estoppel certificate, it can delay or complicate real estate transactions, such as a property sale or refinancing. Depending on the lease agreement’s terms, there might be legal implications or penalties for the tenant’s refusal. In some situations, the absence of a signed estoppel certificate can create uncertainty about the property’s lease conditions, potentially affecting its valuation or marketability.
Estoppel Certificate Tools
Contract & Document Software
Online rental property document software offers customizable templates and digital management solutions for forms, contracts, and letters related to leasing and property management.
Document Digital Signature Software
Using digital signature software for rental property agreements is becoming increasingly popular among tenants and rental real estate industry professionals for its ease of use and legal upholding.
Property Management Software
Property management software helps property managers and tenants handle all aspects of management such as rent payment, property maintenance, marketing, and more.
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About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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