Remember crusty Mr. Murphy who taught Classics? He told us the subject was relevant to our lives. Pick up any lease document, and we realize he was right. Latin rears its elegant head throughout legal documents. So if you skipped class, knowing some common phrases might help in your day-to-day real estate life. See below for some of the most common:
Ad valorem: according “to the value;” imposed at a rate percent of value (ad valorem tax on goods)
For leases . . . sometimes used in expansion, extension, and rights of offer clauses that discuss fair market value.
Bona fide: “In good faith, genuine”
For leases . . . implies sincere good intention regardless of outcome. Can refer to a landlord's or tenant's efforts during the course of the lease (and in court).
Caveat emptor: let the buyer beware, a principle in commerce: without a warranty, the buyer takes the risk
For leases . . . ‘nuff said.
De facto: common in practice, but not established by law; in reality
Force majeure: OK, you’re right, it’s French—not Latin—and means (1) Superior or irresistible force or (2) An event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled
For leases . . . often used in “Damage and Destruction” clauses; think lightning, earthquakes, hurricanes.
Quid pro quo: “This for that” or "something for something;" something given or received for something else
For leases . . . the granddaddy of negotiation concepts.
Subrogate: to put in the place of another; especially: to substitute (something or someone, such as a second creditor) for another with regard to a legal right or claim
For leases . . . think insurance clauses.
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Old Mr. Murphy must be having quite a laugh.
Sources:
(Definitions source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/)
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