What is specific performance?

Specific performance is a term of art in contract law. It refers to basically asking a judge to have somebody do something specifically that they’re obligated to do under a contract, build a house, clean a house, fix a car, that sort of thing. If somebody doesn’t comply with a contract’s term, it’s very rare that a judge would actually order them to specifically perform the contract. Generally, you’re able to get money damages for breach of contract, and that’s it.