Specific performance is an equitable remedy available under which description?

• A. Real Property: Usual remedy
• B. Equitable remedy that is available if monetary damages are inadequate
• C. Service contracts: not available, but might be able to get a negative injunction
• D. Sale of goods: only available if goods are unique

Answer: (B)

Specific performance is an equitable remedy that a court may order when monetary damages would not adequately compensate the harmed party. The idea is to make the other party actually perform as promised, rather than just paying money.

This is why it’s most sensible as a description: money damages can’t replace something unique or irreplaceable, like real property, which is why specific performance is commonly used in land contracts. It also explains why the remedy isn’t simply available in every contract—for service contracts, courts usually won’t compel personal performance and may instead issue injunctions or award damages; for many goods, specific performance is only available if the goods are unique. So the general, overarching rule is that specific performance is an equitable remedy available when monetary damages are inadequate.