What is it?
This term functions as a procedural rule and clause type, governing the initiation or commencement within a legal action or agreement. It controls when rights begin vesting.
entry
UCC / CommercialLegal glossary term
Quick answer
What does entry mean?
Entry usually means the act of going into a place or matter legally. In contracts, it matters because it establishes your right to access goods or enforce obligations. Before signing, check whether the entry is by invitation or by established legal right.
Definitions
What is entry?
Legal Definition
Entry describes the act of going in, whether physically or conceptually into a place or matter. This action establishes a legal foothold, granting rights like possession or access to contractual obligations. Practitioners often distinguish between an 'entry' by invitation versus one by right.
Plain-English Translation
An entry is like getting permission to use your friend’s swing set; it’s the act of going in to play. It lets you start enjoying the fun immediately.
Term context
How entry shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Ignoring a proper entry can result in a claim being dismissed by the court or voiding contractual performance under UCC Article 2. The initiating party bears the risk of improper entry.
When does it matter?
An entry is triggered when a formal filing occurs with the court, or when a specific date within a lease agreement begins to run. It marks the start of that defined period.
Where is it usually seen?
You encounter this term frequently in property deeds (e.g., 'entry upon premises'), standard commercial contracts defining access rights, and civil procedure filings.
Who is affected?
A tenant gains an entry into a leased unit; a creditor obtains an entry against collateralized goods; the defendant risks being subject to judgment if they fail to properly enter a defense.
How does it work?
First, the party initiates the act by physically moving across a threshold or digitally submitting a document. Then, this action legally establishes their status within the relevant agreement or suit. Finally, that entry creates an enforceable legal presumption of presence or right.
Contract relevance
Why entry matters in contracts
Ignoring a proper entry can result in a claim being dismissed by the court or voiding contractual performance under UCC Article 2. The initiating party bears the risk of improper entry.
Document context
Where entry appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lease Agreement Section 3 (Access) Defines when a tenant gains physical entry. | Contractual Clauses Grants rights to specific actions within the agreement. | It dictates who gets in, and under what conditions. |
| Sales Contract Warranty Section Describes initial right of inspection/entry upon delivery. | Commercial Practice Governs the buyer's immediate access to goods. | If you can’t enter and inspect, you can't claim defects later. |
| Litigation Filing Motion Brief Refers to a formal entry into the court record or proceedings. | Procedural Rules Establishes when a party formally participates in a legal matter. | It marks your official participation timeline in the lawsuit. |
| Regulatory Filing (e.g., SEC) Disclosure Statement Represents the initial filing or submission of required information. | Government Forms The first formal act placing data before an agency. | It starts the clock for regulatory compliance and review periods. |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant shall have unrestricted entry into premises. | The tenant has the right to go in whenever they need to. | Is this access limited (e.g., during business hours)? |
| Entry by invitation only, unless default occurs. | You can only enter if the other party invites you; otherwise, it requires a breach. | What constitutes an 'invitation' (e.g., verbal notice vs. written notice)? |
| Grant of entry for inspection purposes. | The right to physically go in specifically to look at something. | Does this permission cover more than just 'inspection' (like repair or maintenance)? |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Entry upon reasonable notice
What constitutes 'reasonable'? A weekend visit might be unreasonable if the contract implies weekdays only.
What to check: Does the contract define or limit what 'reasonable' means in this context?
Right of entry
This sounds absolute, but it might be subject to specific carve-outs (e.g., 'subject to tenant occupancy').
What to check: Is the right qualified by any limiting conditions or exceptions?
Entry as mutually agreed
If you aren't careful, this leaves access completely dependent on the other party's willingness.
What to check: What happens if agreement breaks down? Does one party retain an automatic right to entry then?
Entry upon demand
A simple 'demand' could be frivolous. You need to know the threshold for demanding access.
What to check: Is there a required prerequisite action before you can legally demand entry?
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
Entry
Clearer wording
Physical access to the property.
Vague wording
Entry into proceedings
Clearer wording
Formal filing or appearance in litigation.
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Is the entry granted by invitation or is it a right?
2
Are there specific times/days when entry is permitted?
3
Does the contract define what 'entry' means (e.g., physical vs. digital)?
4
What happens if both parties agree to deny entry?
5
Is there a notice period required before an entry can occur?
6
Does this entry right cover inspection, repair, or just observation?
7
If it is by invitation, who initiates the invitation?
Party impact
How entry affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Tenant | Ensure the contract grants you entry rights even when the Landlord is absent or uncooperative. |
| Landlord/Lessor | Define clear conditions under which *you* can exercise your right of entry, especially regarding notice requirements. |
| Buyer (in sales) | Confirm that the initial entry allows you to inspect the goods before finalizing payment or accepting risk. |
Comparison
entry vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from entry |
|---|---|---|
| Access | The general ability to be present in a space or matter. | Entry is the *act* of going in; Access is the *state* of being able to go in. |
| Permission | Consent granted by another party for entry. | Permission implies agreement (invitation); Entry can exist even without permission if a legal right supports it. |
| Waiver | Voluntarily giving up a known right to entry. | If you waive your entry right, you lose the ability to enforce it later; Entry is the underlying action itself. |
Missing or vague
If entry is missing or vague
If 'entry' remains undefined or vague within your contract, disputes often arise over timing—was the inspection allowed on Tuesday morning or Wednesday afternoon?
Another common issue surfaces regarding *why* you entered: was it for routine maintenance or a specific dispute resolution? If that reason isn't stated, both parties might disagree about what should happen next.
Furthermore, without clarity, a party might argue they had an 'entry by invitation,' while the other insists their presence constituted a legally enforceable 'entry by right.'
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions Section | Look here first to see if the term is explicitly defined (e.g., 'Entry' means physical entry into the premises). |
| Access & Use Clauses | This section dictates *when* and *how* the act of entry can occur. |
| Remedies/Default Section | Check if a breach triggers an immediate, automatic right of entry for one of the parties. |
Visual model
Understand entry fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord grants an entry to Tenant upon signing the lease, allowing occupancy.
02
Borrower makes an entry into the collateralized property by delivering possession of the car to the lender.
03
Franchisor accepts an Entry from a new franchisee, officially commencing their operating rights.
Questions & answers
Common questions about entry
What does entry mean?
Entry usually means the act of going into a place or matter legally. In contracts, it matters because it establishes your right to access goods or enforce obligations. Before signing, check whether the entry is by invitation or by established legal right.
What is entry in plain English?
An entry is like getting permission to use your friend’s swing set; it’s the act of going in to play. It lets you start enjoying the fun immediately.
Why does entry matter in a contract?
Ignoring a proper entry can result in a claim being dismissed by the court or voiding contractual performance under UCC Article 2. The initiating party bears the risk of improper entry.
When does entry apply?
An entry is triggered when a formal filing occurs with the court, or when a specific date within a lease agreement begins to run. It marks the start of that defined period.
Where does entry appear in documents?
You encounter this term frequently in property deeds (e.g., 'entry upon premises'), standard commercial contracts defining access rights, and civil procedure filings.
Who is affected by entry?
A tenant gains an entry into a leased unit; a creditor obtains an entry against collateralized goods; the defendant risks being subject to judgment if they fail to properly enter a defense.
How does entry work?
First, the party initiates the act by physically moving across a threshold or digitally submitting a document. Then, this action legally establishes their status within the relevant agreement or suit. Finally, that entry creates an enforceable legal presumption of presence or right.
What happens if entry is missing or vague?
If 'entry' remains undefined or vague within your contract, disputes often arise over timing—was the inspection allowed on Tuesday morning or Wednesday afternoon? Another common issue surfaces regarding *why* you entered: was it for routine maintenance or a specific dispute resolution? If that reason isn't stated, both parties might disagree about what should happen next. Furthermore, without clarity, a party might argue they had an 'entry by invitation,' while the other insists their presence constituted a legally enforceable 'entry by right.'
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Wikipedia
Entry
Entry may refer to: Entry, West Virginia, an unincorporated community in the United States Entry (cards), a term used in trick-taking card-games Entry (economics), a term in connection with markets Entry (film), a 2013 Indian Malayalam film Entry, occurrence...
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Where entry connects to real contract work
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
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Glossaryagreementagreement often shapes similar contract language wording, negotiation leverage, and the plain-English meaning of the clause around...Glossarycollateralcollateral often shapes similar contract language wording, negotiation leverage, and the plain-English meaning of the clause around...Glossarycommencecommence often shapes similar contract language wording, negotiation leverage, and the plain-English meaning of the clause around i...
BGRisk context hubGlossary meaning, document paths, and adjacent risk pages connected around this clause.
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Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
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