Duties of the Bailee with regard to Goods

In a bailment relationship, the bailee is under a number of duties to the bailor. These duties are:

  • To take care of the goods. The bailee must take reasonable care of the goods. This means that the bailee must take the same care of the goods as they would take of their own goods.
  • To return the goods. The bailee must return the goods to the bailor at the end of the bailment period.
  • Not to mix the goods with their own goods. The bailee must not mix the goods with their own goods. If the bailee does mix the goods, they will be liable to the bailor for any loss or damage that results.
  • To keep the goods separate from other goods. The bailee must keep the goods separate from other goods. This is to prevent the goods from being lost or damaged.
  • To deliver the goods to the bailor’s order. If the bailor demands the return of the goods, the bailee must deliver the goods to the bailor’s order.

MCQs on Duties of the Bailee with regard to Goods

  1. Which of the following is not a duty of the bailee?
    • To take care of the goods.
    • To return the goods.
    • To mix the goods with their own goods.
    • To keep the goods separate from other goods.
    • Answer: To mix the goods with their own goods. The bailee is not allowed to mix the goods with their own goods.
  2. The bailee must take reasonable care of the goods. What does this mean?
    • This means that the bailee must take the same care of the goods as they would take of their own goods.
  3. The bailee must return the goods to the bailor at the end of the bailment period. What happens if the bailee does not return the goods?
    • The bailee is liable to the bailor for the value of the goods.
    • The bailor can sue the bailee for the return of the goods.
    • The bailor can take possession of the goods by force.
    • All of the above.
    • Answer: All of the above. The bailee is liable to the bailor for the value of the goods, the bailor can sue the bailee for the return of the goods, and the bailor can take possession of the goods by force if the bailee does not return the goods.