Property & Contract Law Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
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Property & Contract Law
The Law of Deals and Domains: Society is built on agreements (contracts) and spaces (property). When these foundations crack, the result is civil litigation. This section covers the structural language of civil society—from heated landlord-tenant disputes in housing court to complex commercial trials.
Property law distinguishes between Real Property (land and buildings) and Personal Property (movable items/chattel). For the interpreter, precision is vital; interpreting a "notice to quit" simply as a "letter" fails to convey its legal power as the first step in an eviction process.
A
Abandonment of PropertyAbandono de propiedad
Definition: When an owner intentionally gives up possession and rights to property.
Context: Housing court; civil property disputes.
Context: Housing court; civil property disputes.
AbatementReducción / abatimiento (de contrato o alquiler)
Definition: Reduction or suspension of rent or contractual obligations due to defects.
Adhesion ContractContrato de adhesión
Definition: Contract drafted by one party with all bargaining power, offered on a “take it or leave it” basis.
Adverse PossessionPosesión adversa
Definition: Acquiring ownership by occupying land openly and without permission for a statutory period.
Affidavit of TitleDeclaración jurada de título
Definition: Sworn statement confirming ownership and disclosing known encumbrances.
Air RightsDerechos aéreos
Definition: Rights to use or develop the space above a piece of land.
AssignmentCesión contractual
Definition: Transfer of rights or obligations under a contract to another party.
As-Is ClauseCláusula “tal cual”
Definition: Provision stating the buyer accepts property or goods in their present condition.
B
BailmentDepósito / custodia de bienes
Definition: Temporary transfer of possession (not ownership) of personal property for a specific purpose.
Bilateral ContractContrato bilateral
Definition: Agreement where both parties exchange promises and obligations.
Boundary DisputeDisputa de linderos
Definition: Conflict over the location of legal property lines.
Breach of ContractIncumplimiento contractual
Definition: Failure to perform a contractual duty without legal excuse.
Broker’s LienGravamen del corredor
Definition: Security interest granted to a broker to secure unpaid commissions.
Business Interruption ClauseCláusula de interrupción comercial
Definition: Contract term addressing losses from unforeseen business disruptions.
C
Caveat EmptorComprador, ten cuidado
Definition: "Let the buyer beware"; the principle that the buyer is responsible for checking quality.
Chain of TitleCadena de título
Definition: Historical record of ownership transfers for a property.
ChattelBien mueble
Definition: Movable personal property not attached to land.
Clear TitleTítulo limpio
Definition: Title free of liens, encumbrances, or legal defects.
Co-TenancyCopropiedad
Definition: Shared ownership of property by two or more persons.
ConsiderationContraprestación
Definition: Something of value exchanged to support a binding contract.
CovenantConvenio / pacto
Definition: Binding promise in a deed or contract requiring or restricting certain actions.
Cure PeriodPeríodo de subsanación
Definition: Time allowed to fix a breach before penalties or termination apply.
D
DeedEscritura
Definition: Legal document transferring ownership of real property.
Defective TitleTítulo defectuoso
Definition: Title burdened by legal problems, such as liens or unresolved claims.
Detainer (Unlawful)Retención ilícita
Definition: Legal action to remove a tenant who remains without legal right.
Disclosure StatementDeclaración de divulgación
Definition: Required document revealing known defects or material facts.
Dispute Resolution ClauseCláusula de resolución de disputas
Definition: Contract provision specifying mediation, arbitration, or litigation procedures.
DuressCoacción
Definition: Agreement made under unlawful threats or pressure, invalidating true consent.
E
Earned PremiumPrima devengada
Definition: Portion of premium corresponding to coverage already provided.
Earnest Money DepositDepósito de garantía
Definition: Good-faith deposit made with a purchase offer.
EasementServidumbre
Definition: Legal right to use another person’s land for a specific purpose.
Eminent DomainDominio eminente / expropiación
Definition: The power of the government to take private property for public use.
EncroachmentInvasión / intrusión de propiedad
Definition: Unauthorized extension of a structure onto neighboring land.
EncumbranceGravamen
Definition: Claim, lien, or liability attached to property.
EstoppelEstoppel / impedimento legal
Definition: Doctrine preventing a party from contradicting prior statements relied upon by others.
Exclusive PossessionPosesión exclusiva
Definition: Right of a tenant or owner to control access to property.
Executed ContractContrato ejecutado / formalizado
Definition: A contract where all parties have fulfilled their obligations.
Executory ContractContrato pendiente de ejecución
Definition: A contract where obligations have not yet been fully performed.
F
Fair Market Value (FMV)Valor justo de mercado
Definition: Price at which a willing buyer and seller would transact.
Fee Simple OwnershipPropiedad en dominio absoluto
Definition: Highest form of ownership with full rights and no time limit.
Fixture (Real Property)Accesorio inmueble
Definition: Personal property attached so permanently it becomes part of the real property.
Force Majeure ClauseCláusula de fuerza mayor
Definition: Clause excusing performance due to extraordinary events beyond control.
ForeclosureEjecución hipotecaria
Definition: Legal process allowing a lender to take property for loan default.
Forfeiture ClauseCláusula de confiscación / pérdida
Definition: Contract term allowing loss of property if obligations are not met.
Fraudulent ConveyanceTransferencia fraudulenta
Definition: Transfer of property to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors.
G
Good Faith (Contracts)Buena fe
Definition: Honest, fair dealing and intention to fulfill obligations.
Grace PeriodPeríodo de gracia
Definition: Extra time to perform obligations before penalties apply.
Grant DeedEscritura de concesión
Definition: Deed transferring property with limited title guarantees.
Ground LeaseContrato de arrendamiento de terreno
Definition: Long-term lease of land allowing the tenant to build improvements.
GuarantorGarante
Definition: Person who promises to be responsible for another’s debt.
H
Habitable ConditionCondición habitable (garantía de habitabilidad)
Definition: Legal standard requiring rentals to be safe, sanitary, and livable.
Hold Harmless ClauseCláusula de indemnidad
Definition: Clause requiring one party to indemnify and protect another.
Holding Over (Holdover)Permanencia indebida del inquilino
Definition: Tenant remaining in possession after lease expiration without permission.
Homeowners Association RulesReglas de la asociación de propietarios (HOA)
Definition: Mandatory regulations governing properties in a community.
Howey TestPrueba de Howey
Definition: Legal test defining when an arrangement is an “investment contract.”
I
Implied ContractContrato implícito
Definition: Contract formed by conduct rather than explicit words.
Implied Warranty of MerchantabilityGarantía implícita de comerciabilidad
Definition: Warranty that goods are fit for ordinary purposes.
ImprovementsMejoras (propiedad)
Definition: Additions or upgrades that increase property value.
Injunction (Property)Interdicto / mandato judicial
Definition: Court order requiring a party to do or stop doing a specific act.
Installment ContractContrato a plazos
Definition: Contract requiring periodic payments toward purchase.
Intellectual Property AgreementAcuerdo de propiedad intelectual
Definition: Contract defining ownership and use of creative works.
Investment PropertyPropiedad de inversión
Definition: Real estate acquired primarily to generate rental income.
J
Joint TenancyCopropiedad con derecho de supervivencia
Definition: Co-ownership where deceased owner’s share passes automatically to survivors.
Judicial ForeclosureEjecución hipotecaria judicial
Definition: Court-supervised foreclosure process.
Just CompensationCompensación justa
Definition: Payment owed when government takes private property.
K
Key MoneyDinero de llave
Definition: Extra payment demanded for access to a rental unit.
Kick-Out ClauseCláusula de rescisión anticipada
Definition: Provision allowing a party to terminate a contract if conditions occur.
Knowledge RequirementRequisito de conocimiento (contratos)
Definition: Whether a party knew or should have known facts affecting the contract.
L
Landlord’s LienGravamen del arrendador
Definition: Landlord’s claim against a tenant’s property for unpaid rent.
Lease AgreementContrato de arrendamiento
Definition: Contract setting terms between landlord and tenant.
Leasehold InterestInterés arrendaticio
Definition: Tenant’s legal right to occupy property under a lease.
Legal DescriptionDescripción legal de la propiedad
Definition: Exact written description identifying land boundaries.
Letter of Intent (LOI)Carta de intención
Definition: Document outlining preliminary terms before a final contract.
LienGravamen / Embargo preventivo
Definition: A legal claim or right against property used as security for debt.
LienholderTitular del gravamen
Definition: Person or entity holding a lien on property.
Liquidated Damages ClauseCláusula de daños liquidados
Definition: Predetermined amount of damages for breach.
Lis PendensAviso de litigio pendiente (lis pendens)
Definition: A recorded notice that a lawsuit is pending affecting title.
M
Material BreachIncumplimiento material
Definition: Serious breach that destroys the essential purpose of a contract.
Mechanic’s LienGravamen de contratista
Definition: Lien filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work.
Merger ClauseCláusula de integración
Definition: Clause stating the written contract is the final agreement.
Mitigation of DamagesMitigación de daños
Definition: Duty of an injured party to take reasonable steps to reduce losses.
Month-to-Month TenancyArrendamiento mes a mes
Definition: Tenancy that renews monthly until properly terminated.
Mortgage NotePagaré hipotecario
Definition: Promissory note setting loan terms in a mortgage.
N
Negligent MisrepresentationRepresentación negligente
Definition: False statement made without reasonable care causing harm.
Net LeaseArrendamiento neto
Definition: Lease where tenant pays base rent plus property expenses.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)Acuerdo de confidencialidad
Definition: Contract requiring parties to keep information confidential.
Non-PerformanceIncumplimiento de obligaciones
Definition: Failure to carry out contractual duties.
Non-Renewal NoticeAviso de no renovación
Definition: Written notice that a lease will not be renewed.
NovationNovación
Definition: Substituting a new contract or party for an old one.
O
OfferOferta
Definition: Clear proposal showing willingness to be bound if accepted.
Option ContractContrato de opción
Definition: Agreement giving the right, but not the obligation, to act.
Ordinance (Property)Ordenanza
Definition: Local law regulating land use and building standards.
Owner’s AffidavitDeclaración jurada del propietario
Definition: Sworn statement about ownership, liens, or condition.
P
Partition ActionAcción de partición
Definition: Lawsuit seeking court-ordered division or sale of property.
Perpetuities RuleRegla contra las perpetuidades
Definition: Rule limiting how long property interests can be controlled.
Power of Attorney (POA)Poder notarial
Definition: Legal authority granted to act on another’s behalf.
Premises LiabilityResponsabilidad de locales
Definition: Liability of owners for injuries occurring on their property.
Promissory EstoppelDoctrina de impedimento promisorio
Definition: Enforcement of a promise even without a formal contract.
Purchase AgreementContrato de compraventa
Definition: Binding contract setting terms for property sale.
Q
Quiet EnjoymentDerecho al disfrute pacífico
Definition: Tenant’s right to use premises without interference.
Quiet Title ActionAcción de saneamiento de título
Definition: Lawsuit to establish clear ownership and remove claims.
R
Real PropertyBienes inmuebles
Definition: Land and anything permanently attached to it.
Reformation of ContractReforma del contrato
Definition: Court correction of terms to reflect true intent.
Rent AbatementReducción del alquiler
Definition: Reduction of rent due to substandard conditions.
RescissionRescisión
Definition: Cancellation of a contract, restoring original positions.
Right of First RefusalDerecho de preferencia
Definition: Right to match a third-party offer before sale.
Right-of-WayDerecho de paso
Definition: Legal right to pass through another’s property.
S
Sanctions (Civil)Sanciones
Definition: Penalties imposed for rule violations or discovery abuse.
Security DepositDepósito de seguridad
Definition: Money held by landlord to cover damage or unpaid rent.
Severability ClauseCláusula de divisibilidad
Definition: Ensures invalidity of one term does not void the whole.
Specific PerformanceCumplimiento específico
Definition: Court order requiring actual performance of contract.
Statute of FraudsEstatuto de fraudes
Definition: Law requiring certain contracts to be in writing.
SubleaseSubarrendamiento
Definition: Arrangement where a tenant rents premises to third party.
T
Tenancy in CommonTenencia en común
Definition: Shared ownership with no right of survivorship.
Tender of PerformanceOferta de cumplimiento
Definition: Demonstration that a party is ready and able to perform.
Title InsuranceSeguro de título
Definition: Insurance protecting owners/lenders against title defects.
Trespass to LandEntrada ilícita a la propiedad
Definition: Unauthorized physical entry onto another’s land.
U
Unconscionable ContractContrato inicuo / abusivo
Definition: Contract so one-sided or unfair it is refused enforcement.
Unlawful DetainerRetención ilícita de la propiedad
Definition: Summary court action to evict a non-vacating tenant.
V
Void ContractContrato nulo
Definition: Contract with no legal effect from the outset.
Voidable ContractContrato anulable
Definition: Contract valid until one party chooses to rescind.
W
Warranty DeedEscritura de garantía
Definition: Deed guaranteeing good title and defending claims.
Wrongful EvictionDesalojo improcedente
Definition: Eviction carried out without proper process.
Z
Zoning VarianceExcepción de zonificación
Definition: Permission to deviate from zoning rules for a property.
Zoning ViolationViolación de zonificación
Definition: Use of property inconsistent with zoning laws.
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