If I loaned someone some item, and I told them that their possession of the item "ends on 2014/12/31", would 2014/12/31 be part of the time that they still have possession of the item?
Or, say if I were to hold a contest, and I said that contest "ends on 2014/12/31", would 2014/12/31 still be a date where the contest is still being held?
What's the more common expectation of the phrase?
Best Answer
Yes, normally that last day is part of the loan agreement or contest.
This is how my library does it: an item due back on Monday can be returned or renewed any time on Monday with no fine. If returned or renewed on Tuesday, a fine is given.
For avoidance of doubt, give an explicit time for the loan to end, or use clear language explicitly stating how the last day is handled. If you check, you may find this in the small print for loans and contests.