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Possession of another's chattels for an agreed purpose

In some circumstances, an owner gives possession of their chattels to another person for an agreed purpose. Giving possession of chattels to another person in this way is often referred to as 'bailment'.

The law recognises different kinds of bailment, such as bailment for the purpose of having the property looked after or stored; or for the purpose of carrying out some work on the property for the owner such as a renovation or repair; or for the purpose of use and enjoyment.

Examples: C takes his car to D, a mechanic, to have it serviced. He leaves the car in D's possession. C will pay D for the repairs. Although she has a legal right to be in possession of the car, D has no right to use it for her own purposes. E, who is going on holiday, leaves her computer with F for safekeeping while she is away.

Causer v Browne [1952] VLR 1 is an example of bailment of clothing for the purpose of cleaning.