What is it?
A demand is a contractual clause or a legal notice. It governs the timing and method of performance or the assertion of rights.
demand
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Demand usually means a formal request for something you are owed. In contracts, it matters because it can trigger default or termination. Before signing, check the demand clause for clarity on what triggers it and what happens next.
Definitions
What is demand?
Legal Definition
A demand is a formal request for something to which one claims a right. In law, it often triggers an obligation or creates a default. The key qualifier is often the specificity of the request and the stated consequence for non-compliance.
Plain-English Translation
When you ask your parents to borrow the car, that's a demand. They can say yes or no, but if they said yes and you ask again later, they might let you go.
Contract relevance
Why demand matters in contracts
Failure to meet a demand can result in a breach of contract, loss of a legal right, or a default judgment against the party failing to respond. The party making the demand bears the risk that it is not properly made or supported by law.
Document context
Where demand appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Agreement | Repayment Clause | Triggers default if not met |
| Lease Agreement | Default Clause | Specifies notice period for rent demands |
| Promissory Note | Maturity Date Clause | Establishes when principal is due |
| Construction Contract | Payment Clause | Outlines process for demanding progress payments |
| Demand Letter | Pre-litigation Communication | Formalizes a claim before court filing |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ||
| [object Object] | ||
| [object Object] |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
[object Object]
Clearer wording
Vague wording
[object Object]
Clearer wording
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
What specific actions or failures trigger a demand?
2
Is there a clear definition of what is being demanded?
3
What is the exact timeframe for responding to a demand?
4
What are the consequences of failing to meet the demand?
5
Is there a specified method for delivering the demand?
6
Does the contract allow for a cure period after a demand is made?
7
Who has the authority to make a demand on behalf of each party?
Party impact
How demand affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| [object Object] | |
| [object Object] |
Comparison
demand vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from demand |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ||
| [object Object] | ||
| [object Object] |
Missing or vague
If demand is missing or vague
If a demand is missing or vague, disputes can arise over whether a formal request was made or what exactly was required.
This ambiguity can lead to arguments about whether a default has occurred.
Parties may face litigation to clarify obligations and consequences, increasing costs and uncertainty.
Visual model
Understand demand fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
A landlord sends a tenant a written notice demanding overdue rent within 10 days, or the lease will be terminated.
02
A borrower receives a letter from a bank demanding immediate repayment of a loan due to a covenant breach.
03
A supplier issues a formal demand to a buyer for payment of an invoice that is 60 days past due.
Document context
How demand shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Failure to meet a demand can result in a breach of contract, loss of a legal right, or a default judgment against the party failing to respond. The party making the demand bears the risk that it is not properly made or supported by law.
When does it matter?
A demand is often triggered by a specific event, such as non-payment or a breach of contract terms. It can also be a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit under certain statutes.
Where is it usually seen?
Demands appear in contract clauses, demand letters sent by attorneys, and statutory notices required before litigation.
Who is affected?
A creditor makes a demand to a debtor for payment. A landlord makes a demand to a tenant for rent. A subcontractor makes a demand for payment to a general contractor.
How does it work?
First, a party identifies a right or obligation. Then, they draft a formal request stating what is owed and by when. Finally, they deliver the demand according to contract terms or legal requirements.
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Wikipedia
Demand
In economics, demand is the quantity of a good that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices during a given time. In economics "demand" for a commodity is not the same thing as "desire" for it. It refers to both the desire to purchase and...
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Where demand 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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Glossaryassertionassertion often shapes similar contract language wording, negotiation leverage, and the plain-English meaning of the clause around...Glossaryattorneyattorney often shapes similar contract language wording, negotiation leverage, and the plain-English meaning of the clause around i...Glossarycompliancecompliance often shapes similar contract language wording, negotiation leverage, and the plain-English meaning of the clause around...
BGRisk context hubGlossary meaning, document paths, and adjacent risk pages connected around this clause.
Use caseEviction NoticeReal Estate Contracts: An invalid eviction notice is legally void — but only if you know how to challenge it.Use caseTermination NoticeHR & Recruitment: When you receive a termination notice, every word matters — especially what isn’t in it.Use caseLease AgreementLegal & Corporate: Your lease is a 12-month financial commitment — read every line.RiskNon refundable work completed riskPlain-English risk guide for non refundable work completed risk.RiskNon refundable payment clausePlain-English risk guide for non refundable payment clause.RiskBilling terms riskPlain-English risk guide for billing terms risk.
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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