Legal Definitions - bailee (custodian)

A bailee is an individual or organization that temporarily takes possession of another person's property without acquiring ownership of it. This arrangement, known as a bailment, typically involves an agreement where the bailee is entrusted with the property for a specific purpose. The bailee is responsible for the care and safekeeping of the property and is obligated to return it to the original owner (known as the "bailor") once the agreed-upon purpose is fulfilled or the term of the agreement ends.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a bailee:

• Clothing Repair Shop: Imagine you take your favorite jacket to a tailor for a zipper repair. The tailor, or the repair shop, becomes the bailee of your jacket. They take temporary possession of your property for the specific purpose of fixing it. They do not own your jacket, but they are responsible for its care while it's in their possession and for returning it to you once the repair is complete.

• Equipment Rental: When you rent a specialized tool, like a power washer, from a hardware store for a weekend project, you become the bailee. The hardware store (the bailor) entrusts you with their equipment for a defined period. You are responsible for using it properly, keeping it safe, and returning it to the store in good condition by the agreed deadline.

• Coat Check Service: At a theater or event, you might use a coat check service to store your jacket and bag. The attendant and the service they represent act as the bailee. They take temporary possession of your personal items, providing a ticket or claim check. Their responsibility is to keep your items secure during the event and return them to you when you present your claim check.