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Estoppel Letter

En español: Carta de estoppel

Definition

An estoppel letter is a written statement of what is actually owed and agreed, given by the party in a position to know and binding on them afterward. In a condominium or homeowners association sale it states the balance, the assessments and any special assessment; from a tenant it confirms the rent, the term and the deposit the landlord claims.

How to read it
How to read it
  • It converts a claim into a commitment. Once issued, the association or tenant cannot later assert a different number for that period.
  • Request it early. The statutory window is measured in business days and it runs against the closing date, not with it.
  • A tenant estoppel is the check on the rent roll. Where they disagree, the tenant's copy of the lease usually wins the argument.
  • Fee caps are set by statute and adjusted periodically. Confirm the current amounts rather than quoting a number from a past closing.
An example
An example

A condominium estoppel, at the caps in force in August 2026. The amounts are statutory and get adjusted, so confirm them before quoting them.

Response window10 business days
Standard fee, capped$299
Rush, under 10 business days$150
If the account is delinquent$150
Maximum, rushed and delinquent$599

The ceiling and the clock belong to the statute. How fast a management company notices the request does not, which is why it goes out the day the contract is signed.

Where to read it

The window and the fee ceilings are statutory, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation adjusts the amounts periodically. The current text is here: Section 718.116, Florida Statutes

Terms arrive with the writing.

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