Legal Definitions - renege

To renege means to go back on a promise, commitment, or agreement that was previously made. It describes the act of failing to fulfill an obligation or withdrawing from a deal after having agreed to it.

• Scenario: Business Contract

  A construction company signed a contract to build a new office complex for a client by a specific deadline. Midway through the project, the company informed the client that they would not be able to complete the work as agreed, citing unexpected material cost increases and a decision to prioritize other projects. This action constitutes reneging on their contractual obligation.

  Explanation: The construction company had a clear commitment outlined in a signed contract. By failing to complete the project as promised and withdrawing from that agreement, they have reneged on their deal.

• Scenario: Real Estate Transaction

  A prospective tenant submitted an application and paid a deposit to secure an apartment, and the landlord verbally agreed to rent it to them, pending a background check. Before the lease agreement was signed, the landlord received a higher offer from another applicant and decided to rent the apartment to them instead, returning the first tenant's deposit. This would be considered reneging on the initial agreement with the first tenant.

  Explanation: The landlord made an agreement to rent the apartment to the first tenant. By backing out of that agreement to accept a different offer, they reneged on their promise.

• Scenario: Personal Commitment

  A group of friends planned a long-anticipated hiking trip, and one friend explicitly promised to handle all the campsite bookings and equipment rentals. A week before the trip, that friend suddenly announced they were no longer able to manage these tasks and had not made any arrangements, leaving the others scrambling. This is an example of reneging on a personal commitment.

  Explanation: The friend made a clear promise to take on specific responsibilities for the trip. By failing to fulfill those tasks and withdrawing their commitment, they reneged on their word.