Bailee

A bailee is an individual or entity that temporarily possesses another person's property (the bailor's) with the understanding that it will be returned to the bailor or disposed of as instructed. This temporary possession is known as bailment. The bailee is legally responsible for the safe-keeping of the property and is often obligated to exercise a reasonable standard of care, the level of which is determined by the type of bailment and the terms of the agreement. This includes protecting the property from damage, theft, or loss, and adhering to any specified conditions of use. Breach of this duty can result in legal liability for the bailee.

Bailee meaning with examples

• Sarah left her antique vase with her friend, Emily, to be stored in Emily's climate-controlled storage room while Sarah renovated her house. Emily, the bailee, was responsible for ensuring the vase remained undamaged and protected from potential hazards. Her duty of care obligated her to store the vase safely, away from fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This bailment placed a specific responsibility on Emily.
• The dry cleaner becomes the bailee when you leave your clothes to be cleaned. The dry cleaner has a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid damaging, losing, or misplacing your garments. If your expensive suit is stained due to their negligence, they would likely be liable for the damage. They are entrusted with your property during the cleaning process, creating a bailment.
• A parking garage acts as the bailee for your vehicle when you pay for parking. They take possession of your car and are expected to protect it from theft or damage that occurs due to the garage's negligence, like a leaky roof that damages your car. This bailment is established when you entrust your vehicle to their care.
• A library is the bailee of the books you borrow. They expect you to return the books in good condition, and you, the bailee, are liable if the book gets lost or damaged while in your possession. Your responsibility includes safeguarding the book from harm. The relationship of bailment imposes certain responsibilities on the borrower.