Legal Definitions - bailment

A bailment is a legal arrangement where one person temporarily transfers physical possession of personal property to another person, without transferring ownership of that property. The person who gives up possession is known as the bailor, and the person who receives possession is the bailee. The bailee is entrusted with the property for a specific purpose and duration, and is generally expected to return the property to the bailor once that purpose is fulfilled or the agreed-upon time expires.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the concept of a bailment:

• Dry Cleaning Service: When you drop off your clothes at a dry cleaner, you are the bailor, and the dry cleaner is the bailee. You still own your clothes, but you temporarily transfer possession of them to the dry cleaner so they can perform a service (cleaning). Once the cleaning is complete, the dry cleaner is obligated to return your clothes to you. This arrangement is a bailment because ownership remains with you, while possession is temporarily transferred for a specific purpose.

• Valet Parking: If you use a valet service at a restaurant or hotel, you are the bailor, and the valet attendant (representing the valet company) is the bailee. You hand over your car keys and the car itself, transferring temporary possession to the valet for the purpose of parking and safekeeping. You retain full ownership of your vehicle, and the valet is expected to return it to you upon request. This is a classic example of a bailment, as possession changes hands without a change in ownership.

• Leaving a Pet at a Kennel: When you go on vacation and leave your dog at a boarding kennel, you are the bailor, and the kennel is the bailee. You still own your dog, but you transfer temporary physical custody and care to the kennel for a specified period. The kennel is responsible for the dog's well-being during that time and is obligated to return the dog to you when you come back. This arrangement constitutes a bailment because the kennel gains temporary possession and responsibility for your property (your pet) without becoming its owner.