Definition
An official statement from an HOA, usually requested during a home sale, certifying what an owner owes and the account's status.
An estoppel letter (or estoppel certificate) is an official document an HOA issues — typically during a property sale or refinance — stating the current financial status of an owner's account: assessments owed, any special assessments, fees, and whether the account is current.
Buyers, title companies, and lenders rely on it to know exactly what obligations transfer with the property. Because others rely on the figures, the association is generally bound by ("estopped" from contradicting) what it certifies, so accuracy matters. Many states regulate estoppel fees and turnaround times.