Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Estoppel Certificate

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

This Estoppel Certificate (this "Certificate") is made as of by Tenant Name: to Landlord/Recipient: concerning the lease and premises described below.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant entered into a written lease (the "Lease") dated covering the premises located at:

WHEREAS, Tenant is in possession of the premises and is a party to the Lease and has knowledge of the facts and matters herein certified; and

WHEREAS, Landlord and Recipient (and any prospective purchaser, mortgagee, or lender) require the statements and certifications set forth herein as a condition to a transaction or continuing obligations related to the Lease and the Property.

LEASE INFORMATION

Lease Commencement Date:    Lease Expiration Date:

Rent is payable: . The date of the last rent payment made by Tenant was and the amount was .

CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS

Tenant certifies and represents to Recipient as follows:

1. The Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified except as set forth in writing below. Any written amendments are described here:

2. Tenant is not in default under the Lease except for the following items (if none, state "None"):

3. There are no offsets, defenses, counterclaims, or rights of set-off against the payment of rent or other sums due under the Lease except as disclosed here:

4. Tenant acknowledges that, to the best of its knowledge, the Lease has the following permitted exceptions, assignments, liens, or subleases (if none, state "None"):

DELIVERY OF NOTICE

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Reliance: Recipient and any prospective purchaser, mortgagee, or lender may rely upon the statements and representations contained in this Certificate. Tenant agrees that this Certificate may be delivered to and relied upon by such parties and that such reliance shall be binding.

Binding Effect: This Certificate shall be binding upon Tenant and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Recipient and its successors and assigns.

No Oral Modifications: This Certificate may be amended or modified only by an instrument in writing signed by the party to be charged.

Entire Agreement: This Certificate constitutes the entire agreement between Tenant and Recipient with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating thereto.

Interpretation: Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. The singular includes the plural and vice versa. The obligation to provide factual information in this Certificate extends only to Tenant's actual knowledge after reasonable inquiry of individuals responsible for the day-to-day operation of the premises.

ESTOPPEL EFFECTIVE DATE

This Certificate is delivered as of the date first written above and shall be relied upon until unless sooner revoked in writing signed by Recipient.

Tenant Printed Name:

Landlord/Recipient Printed Name:

By:

By:

Date:

Date:

Enter text✕

What an Estoppel Certificate Is and when parties rely on it

An Estoppel Certificate is a written statement that confirms the current terms, status, and facts related to a lease or other real estate agreement for the benefit of a third party, typically a lender, buyer, or new owner. It commonly verifies rent, lease commencement and expiration dates, security deposits, any defaults, amendments, and known landlord or tenant claims. Estoppel Certificates are used in commercial and residential closings to provide reliable, contemporaneous evidence that a relying party can use when underwriting financing or completing a sale.

Why an accurate Estoppel Certificate matters

An accurate Estoppel Certificate reduces closing risk, shortens due diligence, and protects relying parties that fund or acquire property. It records the parties' positions as of a specific date and limits surprises for purchasers and lenders while creating an evidentiary record that can be relied on in later disputes.

Why an accurate Estoppel Certificate matters

Who completes and relies on Estoppel Certificates

Estoppel Certificates are typically completed by tenants or property managers and reviewed by lenders, buyers, title companies, and closing attorneys.

  • Tenants confirming current lease status and rent
  • Property managers compiling status for multiple units
  • Lenders and buyers verifying conditions before funding or purchase

The document serves both as a factual confirmation for transactions and as a risk-control instrument for parties that rely on lease terms and tenant representations.

Primary signers and their roles

Tenant

A tenant signs to confirm rents, lease dates, security deposits, and any defaults; the tenant’s signature attests to factual statements used by buyers or lenders in due diligence.

Property Manager

A property manager or authorized agent can sign when permitted by the lease; ensure authority is documented to avoid disputes over signatory capacity.

Essential fields commonly included

Lease dates: Commencement and expiration
Rent amount: Current base rent
Security deposit: Held deposit amount
Defaults: Known defaults stated
Amendments: List of signed changes
Signature block: Signer name and title

How to complete an Estoppel Certificate: step-by-step

Follow these steps in order to create a clear, reliable Estoppel Certificate suitable for lender or buyer review.

  • 01
    Gather lease: Collect the executed lease and amendments
  • 02
    Verify amounts: Confirm current rent and deposits
  • 03
    Check defaults: Review tenant and landlord defaults
  • 04
    Sign and date: Have authorized signer execute the certificate

Where to send an executed Estoppel Certificate

Routing depends on the transaction: provide copies to parties that requested it and retain originals for the property file.

  • Lender / Underwriter: Deliver executed copy to the requesting lender
  • Buyer / Title: Provide a copy to buyer or title insurer
  • Property File: Retain original in lease file
  • Broker / Attorney: Share with legal counsel if requested

Setting up an online Estoppel Certificate workflow

Configure fields and routing to match your closing process and to preserve an audit trail for reliance.

Field Configuration
Tenant Name Required, text field
Effective Date Date field, format MM/DD/YYYY
Rent and Deposit Numeric fields with currency format
Signature Block Signer name, title, and date

Digital signing and distribution considerations

Ensure the eSignature provider supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, optional notarization or RON workflows where required, and document export in PDF/A for long‑term retention.

  • Authentication: Email, SMS code, or KBA
  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, event log
  • Integrations: CRM and storage connectors

Key risks if an Estoppel Certificate is incorrect

Misstated rent: Can delay closing
Undisclosed defaults: May trigger indemnity claims
Unauthorized signer: May void reliance
Missing amendments: Alters contractual expectations
Late delivery: Can postpone funding
Improper notarization: Limits enforceability

Common preparation errors to avoid

  • Using abbreviated or trade names instead of the tenant’s full legal name leads to identity confusion and often requires re‑execution.
  • Failing to attach or reference signed lease amendments causes discrepancies between the certificate and the actual lease terms relied upon by lenders.
  • Leaving open‑ended or subjective statements such as 'tenant is not aware' without a cut‑off date invites follow‑up and undermines reliance.
  • Neglecting to confirm signer authority or failing to include agent authorization results in delays and possible rejection by title or underwriting teams.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Follow consistent internal controls and document templates to reduce errors and turnaround time when multiple estoppels are requested.

Standardize a template
Use a single, reviewed template that contains clear fields for lease dates, rent, deposits, defaults, and amendments. A standardized form reduces variability across properties and speeds reviewer acceptance by lenders and title companies.
Verify signer authority in advance
Confirm that the person executing has express authority under the lease or a written agency document. Requesting and storing a delegation of authority prevents rework and avoids late closing issues when signatures are challenged.
Use precise language and dates
State facts plainly and include a specific 'as of' date for the certificate. Precise dates and numeric values prevent interpretive disputes and reduce the need for follow‑up clarification during diligence.
Preserve audit and delivery records
Keep copies of the signed certificate, delivery receipts, and any electronic audit trail. These records support reliance and are useful if a later dispute or claim arises concerning the certified facts.

Real-world scenarios where Estoppel Certificates are used

Two typical transaction scenarios illustrate how estoppels speed diligence and what to expect from each signer.

Commercial Lease Closing

A buyer requests estoppels from ten major tenants to confirm rents and lease terms as of closing

  • Tenants provide signed certificates confirming amounts and no defaults
  • The buyer closes with lender reliance, reducing post‑closing adjustments and enabling faster funding.

Condominium Lender Review

A condominium association provides estoppels to a lender underwriting unit sales

  • The certificates confirm any outstanding assessments and maintenance claims
  • The lender clears financing conditions once estoppels and association records align, avoiding delays in loan disbursement.

How Estoppel Certificates compare to related documents

Compare common documents that appear in lease diligence to understand differences in purpose, signer, and formality.

Document Type Purpose Typical Signer Notarization Required Common Use
Estoppel Certificate confirm lease facts tenant or agent sometimes due diligence
Estoppel Letter informal confirmation tenant or manager rarely quick verifications
Tenant Affidavit sworn facts under oath tenant often legal proceedings
Lease Rider contract modification landlord and tenant amend lease terms

eSignature vendor comparison for executing Estoppel Certificates

Key pricing and capability comparisons focused on typical needs for signing and delivering Estoppel Certificates across vendors.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Estoppel Certificates

Answers to common operational and legal questions when preparing, signing, and relying on Estoppel Certificates.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users