Legal Definitions - accommodatum

An accommodatum refers to the specific item or object that is loaned without charge for a temporary period, with the understanding that the exact same item will be returned to its owner. This type of loan, known as a commodatum, is made primarily for the borrower's benefit and does not involve any payment for the use of the item. The lender retains full ownership of the accommodatum throughout the loan period.

• Example 1: A homeowner lends their power drill to a neighbor who needs to hang a new picture frame. The neighbor uses the drill for a few hours and then returns it.

  Explanation: The power drill is the accommodatum. It was loaned for free, for a specific purpose (hanging a picture frame), and the expectation is that the exact same drill will be returned to the homeowner once the task is complete.

• Example 2: A small business owner allows a local community group to use their conference room for a one-time evening meeting, free of charge, provided the room is left in its original condition.

  Explanation: The conference room, for the duration of the meeting, functions as the accommodatum. It is provided for the community group's use without any rental fee, with the understanding that the specific room will be returned to the business owner's control in the same state.

• Example 3: During a local charity event, a volunteer organization borrows a specific sound system from a music store to use for the day's announcements and music, promising to return it by closing time.

  Explanation: The sound system is the accommodatum. It is provided by the music store for the charity's use without charge, and the agreement is that the identical sound system will be returned to the store at the end of the event.