Postal rule

In Jamaican real estate, the postal rule is a legal principle that makes an acceptance of an offer effective as soon as it is mailed, rather than when it is received. This rule, originating from the case Adams v. Lindsell (1818), ensures that once a buyer sends their acceptance through the postal service, the contract becomes binding, even if there are delays in delivery. This is crucial in situations where parties are in different locations, as it prevents the seller from retracting the offer while the acceptance is in transit. The postal rule provides certainty and protects the buyer’s interests in the transaction.