Definition

Noun: * The legal right to resume possession: A legal right, specifically reserved or created in a contract (like a lease), that allows a party (typically a landlord or grantor) to take back possession of a property or asset if certain conditions are breached or events occur.

Usage

This term is used almost exclusively in legal and property contexts. It refers to a conditional right that must be formally reserved in an agreement to be valid. * The landlord included a right of re-entry in the lease, allowing them to retake the property if rent was unpaid. * The clause granting the right of re-entry was triggered when the tenant violated the terms of the agreement.

Advanced Usage

• "Forfeiture and right of re-entry": A common legal pairing where a breach of condition causes the lease to be forfeited (terminated), activating the landlord's right of re-entry.
• "Peaceable re-entry": The act of exercising the right of re-entry without using force, which is often the legally permitted method.

Variants and Related Words

• Re-enter (verb): To go back into a place; in law, to resume possession.
• Forfeiture (noun): The loss of a right, privilege, or property because of a breach of legal condition, which often precedes the exercise of the right of re-entry.
• Leasehold (noun): An asset held under a lease, which is the subject of a right of re-entry.

Synonyms

• Right of repossession: A very close synonym, emphasizing the act of taking back possession.
• Forfeiture clause: A clause that stipulates the conditions for losing a right, often linked to the right of re-entry.

Related Phrases

• "To exercise the right of re-entry": The formal act of invoking and acting upon this legal right.
  • After repeated warnings, the company was forced to exercise its right of re-entry on the commercial unit.
• "Conditional right of re-entry": A right of re-entry that is dependent on a specific future event or breach.

Noun

1. the legal right to resume possession (a right that was reserved when a former possession was parted with)