IHTM36334 | Letters of offer: using precise terms

The letter of offer is intended to form the basis for a legally binding contract withterms that cannot subsequently be disputed. It should not, for example, contain

• any unacceptable terms such as ‘I reserve the right to reopen this offer if ……….’

• any uncertain terms such as ‘I shall pay the sum of £x as soon as I can’

• any conditional terms such as ‘if I can sell my house for £y’.

It can be misleading to refer to duties as being unpaid if they are wholly covered bypayments on account. Such duties can be described as ‘ … which wereunpaid…’.