Legal Definitions - free entry, egress, and regress

The legal term free entry, egress, and regress refers to a specific right that allows an individual or entity to enter, exit, and return to a particular property as often as reasonably necessary to fulfill a legitimate purpose or obligation.

This right is typically established by a prior agreement, a legal requirement, or a specific circumstance, ensuring access even when general entry to the property might otherwise be restricted.

• Example 1: Retrieving Left-Behind Property After a Lease Ends

  Imagine a tenant who has officially moved out of their rented apartment, and their lease has expired. A few days later, they realize they accidentally left behind a box of important personal documents and a sentimental family photo album. Even though they no longer have a general right to occupy the apartment, they typically retain the right of free entry, egress, and regress for a reasonable period. This allows them to enter the property, collect their forgotten belongings, and then leave. If they discover they missed something else, they can return again, provided it's within a reasonable timeframe and solely for the purpose of retrieving their property.

• Example 2: Warranty Repairs on a Newly Built Home

  Consider a homeowner who has recently moved into a newly constructed house. Within the warranty period, a minor but persistent issue arises, such as a faulty electrical outlet or a dripping faucet. The builder's electrician or plumber would have the right of free entry, egress, and regress to the property. This means they can enter the home to diagnose the problem, potentially leave to acquire a specific replacement part, and then return to complete the repair, ensuring the builder fulfills their contractual warranty obligations to the homeowner.

• Example 3: Utility Company Access for Maintenance

  A local power company has an established easement (a legal right to use another's land for a specific purpose) across a private landowner's backyard, which allows them access to an underground electrical conduit. If a fault or necessary maintenance is identified in the power line, the utility company's technicians have the right of free entry, egress, and regress to the property. They can enter the backyard to locate the issue, dig to access the conduit, leave to gather specialized equipment or parts, and then return to complete the repairs, ensuring continuous and safe electrical service to the community.