III.

DEPOSIT
b.
 Definition of Deposit (“depositum” Roman law)
ART. 1962. A deposit is constituted from the moment a person receives a thing belonging to another,
with the obligation of safely keeping it and of returning the same. If the safekeeping of the thing
delivered is not the principal purpose of the contract, there is no deposit but some other contract.

 Characteristics of Deposit
The contract of deposit is:
(1) It is a real contract because it is perfected by the delivery of the subject matter.

(2) It is generally a unilateral contract. It gives rise to the principal obligation, on the part of the
depositary, to safely keep the thing and to return it. It is only when the depositor has agreed to pay
remuneration to the depositary that the contract will become bilateral and onerous, as the
depositor assumes a primary obligation.

(3) It is a nominate contract, because it has been given a specific name by the Civil Code.

(4) It is a principal contract, because its existence is not dependent on another contract.

(5) It is informal contract, because no particular form is required for the contract.

(6) It is generally gratuitous contract (where the depositor does not pay compensation to the
depositary) but it can be an onerous contract. Under Roman Law, a deposit is a gratuitous
contract; if remuneration is paid by the depositor, the contract becomes a contract of work or
service. Under the Civil Code, a deposit is a gratuitous contract except when there is an agreement
to the contrary, or unless the depositary is engaged in the business of storing goods.

 Kinds of Contract of Loan

Deposit is either:
(1) judicial or one which takes place when an attachment or seizure of property in litigation is ordered
(Arts. 2005-2008.); or
(2) extrajudicial (Art. 1967.) which may be;
(a) voluntary or one wherein the delivery is made by the will of the depositor or by two or more
persons each of whom believes himself entitled to the thing deposited (Arts. 1968-1995.); or
(b) necessary or one made in compliance with a legal obligation, or on the occasion of any
calamity, or by travellers in hotels and inns (Arts. 1996-2004.) or by travellers with common carriers.
(Arts. 1734-1735.)

 Nature
A contract of deposit is generally gratuitous. Exceptions:
(1) Where there is contrary stipulation. — The first exception is recognized in the general rule in
contracts that the parties may establish any stipulation they may deem convenient provided it is not
contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy. (Art. 1306.)
(2) Where depositary engaged in business of storing goods. — The second exception is based on the
fact that the depositary is engaged in the business of storing goods (as in the case of a warehouseman) for
compensation and not out of pure generosity.
(3) Where property saved from destruction without knowledge of the owner. — In involuntary
deposit, where property is saved from destruction during a calamity by another person without the
knowledge of the owner, the latter is bound to pay the former just compensation. (see Arts. 1996[2],
1997, par. 2.)

Definition of Voluntary Deposit distinguished from necessary deposit

A voluntary deposit is one wherein the delivery is made by the will of the depositor. Ordinarily, there are
only two persons involved. Sometimes, however, the depositary may be a third person.
The chief difference between a voluntary deposit and a necessary deposit is that in the former, the
depositor has complete freedom in choosing the depositary, whereas in the latter, there is lack of free
choice in the depositor.
Obligations of the Depositary
1. To keep the thing safely and return it
2. Exercise same diligence as he would exercise over his own property
3. Not to deposit the thing with a 3rd person unless expressly authorized by stipulation

Note: Depositary is liable for the loss if:

a. He deposits the thing to a 3rd person without authority, even though the loss is due to fortuitous
events
b. Deposits the thing to a 3rd person who is manifestly careless or unfit although there is authority.

4. If the thing should earn interest:

a. collect interest as it falls due

b. take steps to preserve the value and rights corresponding to it.
5. Not to commingle things if so stipulated
6. GR: Not to make use of the thing deposited
XPNs:
a. When preservation of thing deposited requires its use
b. When authorized by depositor
c. GR: In such case it is no longer a deposit but a contract of loan or commodatum, as the case may be.
d. XPN: Principal reason for the contract is still safekeeping, it is still deposit.

7. When the thing deposited is delivered sealed and closed:

a. return the thing in the same condition
b. pay damages if seal be broken through his fault
c. keep the secret of the deposit when seal is broken w/ or w/o his fault
 d. However, the depositary is authorized to open the seal or lock when:
a. there is presumed authority
b. out of necessity
8. GR: Pay for any loss or damage that may arise due to his fault
XPN: Liability of loss through fortuitous event
XPNs to XPN: Even in case of loss through fortuitous event, still liable if:  
a. Stipulated
b. he Uses thing w/o depositor’s permission
c. he Delays its return
d. he Allows others to use it (even if he himself is authorized to use it)
9. Return the thing deposited with all its fruits, accessions, and accessories    
10. Pay interest on sums converted to personal use if the deposit consists of money

Obligations of the Depositor

1. Payment for necessary expenses for preservation  
a. If the deposit is gratuitous – reimburse depositary
b. With compensation – no need for reimbursement; expenses borne by depositary

2. GR: Pay losses incurred by depositary due to the character of the thing deposited.
XPNs:  
a. When at the time of deposit, the depositor was not aware of the dangerous character of the thing
or was not expected to know it;
b. When the depositor notified the depositary; or
c. When the depositary was aware of it without advice from the depositor.

3. In case of an onerous deposit, to pay the compensation agreed upon as consideration for the deposit.

Note: GR means General Rule

XPNs means exceptions