Legal Definitions - owing

Owing

The term "owing" refers to something that is due for payment or delivery but has not yet been fulfilled. It describes an outstanding debt, obligation, or amount that remains unpaid or undelivered.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of "owing":

• Example 1: After a tenant moved out of their apartment, the landlord discovered some minor damages beyond normal wear and tear. The cost of repairing these damages, such as a broken window blind, would be considered owing from the tenant to the landlord, typically deducted from the security deposit.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the tenant has an outstanding financial obligation to compensate the landlord for the repair costs, making that amount "owing" until it is paid or deducted.

• Example 2: A small business owner ordered a new batch of custom-printed merchandise from a supplier. The supplier delivered half of the order as agreed, but the remaining half is still in production. The undelivered portion of the merchandise is owing from the supplier to the business owner.

  Explanation: Here, "owing" refers to a tangible item—the merchandise—that the supplier is obligated to provide but has not yet delivered, fulfilling their part of the agreement.

• Example 3: A client received legal services from an attorney, and the attorney sent an invoice for the work performed. Even though the services have been completed, the amount specified on the invoice for the attorney's fees is owing from the client until the payment is made.

  Explanation: This illustrates a financial obligation where the client has received the benefit of the service, but the payment for that service is still outstanding and due to the attorney.