What is an estoppel certificate?
An estoppel certificate establishes the current status of the lease terms for a third party. Generally, the certificate requests that the Tenant verify that the rent is current or whether the Tenant has any potential claims against the Landlord. The certificate is generally used when the landlord or the building owner is selling the building or refinancing the mortgage.
How should an estoppel certificate be handled?
Answer all questions on the form. For a copy of the lease, contact the Office of Administrative Counsel ("Administrative Counsel)" at house.leases@mail.house.gov or 202-225-6969.
Please ensure that:
- The amount of Security Deposit is $0.
- If the certificate includes a phrase such as "the lease constitutes the entire agreement," the office inserts "and District Office Lease Attachment" after "lease." After editing, the sentence should read: "…the lease and the District Office Lease Attachment constitute…"
- The most recent rent payment has been made. To confirm, call the Finance Office at 202-226-1203.
Does the Member need to sign the certificate?
Generally, a designated representative of the Member may sign unless the document or the landlord specifies otherwise.
Should Administrative Counsel review the certificate?
Yes. Send a copy to leases@mail.house.gov or submit via fax at 202-226-0357. We generally can review it usually within a day or two.
What is the time frame for returning the certificate to the Landlord?
The certificate should be returned on or before the date requested.