Legal Definitions - bailee

A bailee is a person who receives property from the owner, known as a bailor, and holds the property for the owner for a particular purpose such as custody or repair. The bailee does not become the owner of the property and must return it when the contract has been fulfilled.

Examples of bailees include:

• Storage companies that hold people's belongings
• Dry cleaners holding someone's clothing
• Mechanics holding someone's car for repair

The bailee is responsible for taking care of the property while it is in their possession and must practice ordinary diligence. If the bailee is grossly negligent, they can be held responsible for any damage or loss that occurs to the property.

For example, if a storage company fails to properly secure someone's belongings and they are stolen, the storage company could be held responsible for the loss. Similarly, if a mechanic damages someone's car while it is in their possession, they could be held responsible for the cost of repairs.