Representation

A representation is a statement made by one party which has the effect of inducing another into entering a contract. By its nature, a representation is therefore not a term of the contract in itself — it is an egg to the contract's chicken — although attorneys will gleefully add representations into the contract afterward, and therefore make them contractually binding.

Even non-contractual representations may provide relief: a false representation may entitle the party induced into the contract in reliance on it to claim under the Misrepresentation Act 1967 and rescind the contract altogether, or claim damages for negligent misstatement in tort.

Contractual representations, if breached, lead to remedies for breach of contract.

Compare

• warranty
• negligent misstatement

See also

• Covenant
• Undertaking
• or you could cut to the chase and go straight to Promise