What is it?
Accommodation is a contractual clause that governs modifications to obligations without terminating the agreement.
accommodation
Employment LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Accommodation usually means a contract adjustment to meet a party’s special need. In contracts, it matters because failing to honor it can trigger breach liability. Before signing, check the accommodation request process and any hardship limitations.
Definitions
What is accommodation?
Legal Definition
When a contract obligates one party to adjust its performance to meet the other party’s needs, that adjustment is called an accommodation. It creates a duty to modify terms, timing, or delivery without breaching the agreement. The most scrutinized exception is when the accommodation triggers a material change of scope under UCC § 2-209.
Plain-English Translation
Think of a hall pass that lets a student stay after class; an accommodation lets a worker keep their job by changing duties instead of firing them.
Contract relevance
Why accommodation matters in contracts
Ignoring an accommodation can void the contract for breach, and the obligor bears the loss.
Document context
Where accommodation appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Employment agreement | Section 7 (Job Duties) | Defines how duties may be altered |
| ADA compliance plan | Chapter 3 (Accommodation Procedures) | Sets request and response timeline |
| Collective bargaining agreement | Article 5 (Workplace Adjustments) | Outlines employer obligations |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "Employer shall provide reasonable accommodation" | Employer must adjust work conditions | Verify scope and duration |
| "If accommodation creates undue hardship, employer may decline" | Hardship exception | Identify cost thresholds |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Employer may modify duties at its discretion"
Clearer wording
"Employer may modify duties only after documented undue hardship analysis"
Vague wording
"Accommodation shall not affect business operations"
Clearer wording
"Accommodation shall not impose a cost exceeding 5% of annual operating budget"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Confirm the written accommodation request procedure
2
Identify any cost or hardship thresholds
3
Ensure the timeline for employer response is specified
4
Check whether the employee can waive rights
5
Verify who bears documentation costs
6
Look for any carve‑outs limiting types of accommodations
7
Confirm dispute resolution method for accommodation disagreements
Party impact
How accommodation affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Employer | Must assess feasibility and document any undue hardship |
| Employee | Should provide timely, detailed request and medical documentation |
Comparison
accommodation vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Reasonable accommodation | Legal duty to adjust | Focuses on employee needs, not employer cost |
| Undue hardship | Defense for employer | Occurs when accommodation imposes excessive burden |
| Termination clause | Ends contract | Does not require adjustment, just ends obligations |
Missing or vague
If accommodation is missing or vague
If the contract omits a clear accommodation provision, parties may argue over what changes are permissible.
Employees might claim the employer refused a reasonable adjustment, while employers cite lack of obligation.
Such disputes often lead to litigation under the ADA or breach of contract claims, draining resources and damaging relationships.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for "Accommodation" definition |
| Job Duties | Check how duties can be altered |
| Dispute Resolution | Verify process for accommodation disagreements |
| Termination | Ensure accommodation does not trigger automatic termination |
Visual model
Understand accommodation fast
01
Landlord modifies lease rules to allow a tenant with a service animal after receiving a disability notice.
02
Borrower restructures repayment schedule after a court orders a temporary income reduction.
03
Franchisor adjusts training requirements for a franchisee who sustains a medical injury.
Document context
How accommodation shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Ignoring an accommodation can void the contract for breach, and the obligor bears the loss.
When does it matter?
When a party requests a change in job duties due to a disability, the employer must respond within 30 days.
Where is it usually seen?
Standard in the U.S. Department of Labor’s ADA accommodation provisions and in many employment agreements.
Who is affected?
Employer must evaluate the request and may incur costs; employee gains continued employment and reasonable adjustments.
How does it work?
First, the employee submits a written request detailing the needed change. Then, the employer assesses feasibility and any undue hardship. Within 30 days, the employer provides a written decision and implements the adjustment if approved.
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Wikipedia
Accommodation
Accommodation may refer to: A dwelling A place for temporary lodging An approach to negotiation and conflict resolution Reasonable accommodation, a legal doctrine protecting religious minorities or people with disabilities Accommodation (religion), a...
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Where accommodation 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.
Glossary
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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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