Legal Definitions - res mobiles

Res mobiles is a Latin term used in civil law systems to refer to movable things or movable property. These are items that can be physically moved from one place to another without causing damage to themselves or to any real estate they might be associated with. Essentially, it encompasses all property that is not land or permanently attached to land.

• Example 1: Household Possessions

  When someone sells their home, the items they pack up and take with them—such as their sofa, dining room table, television, and personal artwork—are considered res mobiles. These are distinct from the house itself, which is immovable property.

  This illustrates the term because these items are not fixed to the property and can be easily transported to a new location without altering the structure of the house.

• Example 2: Business Equipment

  A small business, like a photography studio, owns various pieces of equipment such as cameras, lighting stands, computers, and office furniture. If the business decides to move to a new location, all these items can be packed up and relocated.

  These assets are res mobiles because they are not permanently affixed to the building and can be moved and reused in a different physical space.

• Example 3: Personal Collections

  An individual might own a valuable collection of antique watches, rare stamps, or a classic car. These items, regardless of their value, are considered res mobiles.

  This demonstrates the concept as these possessions are not attached to land and can be physically transferred, sold, or inherited independently of any real estate.