Land records · Parcel maps · October 7, 2026
What Is a Right of Reentry in a Deed?
What is a right of reentry? A grantor's power to end ownership if a deed condition is broken, unlike a reverter it requires the grantor to act.
What is a right of reentry? A right of reentry, also called a power of termination, is a future interest kept by a grantor who conveys land subject to a condition. If the condition is broken, the grantor or the grantor’s heirs may take action to end the new owner’s estate and reclaim the property. Unlike a possibility of reverter, which works automatically, a right of reentry requires the holder to do something, such as making a demand, filing a lawsuit, or physically retaking the land. It goes with an estate called a fee simple subject to condition subsequent. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Typical language
Rights of reentry are created with words of condition, such as: - “Provided that the land is used only for residential purposes...” - “On condition that no alcohol is sold on the premises...” - “But if the property ceases to be used as a church, the grantor may reenter and terminate the estate.”
The clause usually states the condition and expressly reserves the grantor’s right to reenter or terminate.
Right of reentry vs possibility of reverter
| Feature | Right of reentry | Possibility of reverter |
|---|---|---|
| Estate it follows | Fee simple subject to condition subsequent | Fee simple determinable |
| Typical words | “Provided that,” “on condition that,” “but if” | “So long as,” “while,” “until” |
| Termination | Only if the holder acts | Automatic |
| Delay | Holder may waive by inaction | No action needed |
See what is a reverter clause.
Exercising the right
When a condition is broken, the holder usually must give notice and then sue to recover the property if the owner does not leave. Courts generally disfavor forfeitures and may read conditions narrowly. Waiting too long after a known breach can lead a court to find the right was waived or barred by a statute of limitations.
Statutory limits
Many states limit rights of reentry. Some require them to be re-recorded periodically, some make them expire after a fixed number of years, and some do not allow them to be transferred to anyone other than the grantor’s heirs. Marketable title acts can extinguish old rights that were not preserved in the records.
Effect on title
A right of reentry in the chain of title can be a cloud on title, because a future breach could cost the owner the property. Title insurers may list it as an exception. Owners can seek a release from the holders, rely on a statute that extinguished the right, or file a quiet title action.
Common historic uses
Rights of reentry appear in old conveyances to churches, schools, railroads, and fraternal groups, and in subdivision deeds that tried to enforce building or use restrictions. Some old conditions are unenforceable today because they violate public policy or fair housing law.
Researching one
Read the entire deed for conditions and reservations. Search the grantor-grantee index for releases or waivers. Check whether state law requires preservation notices and whether any were recorded.
Bottom line
A right of reentry lets a grantor end a conveyance if a deed condition is broken, but only by taking action. It differs from an automatic possibility of reverter. Many states limit these rights, and they can cloud title until released or extinguished. Find county recorders via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a right of reentry FAQ
What is another name for a right of reentry?
A power of termination.
Does a right of reentry end ownership automatically?
No, the holder must take action.
What words create a right of reentry?
Words of condition such as “provided that” or “on condition that.”
Can a right of reentry expire?
Many states limit its duration or require re-recording.
How do I remove one from my title?
Get a release, rely on a statute, or file a quiet title action.