§ 1814 Voluntary Property Deposit Rules

Civil Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law explains what a voluntary deposit is: when someone gives their personal property to another person with permission to keep it for their own benefit or for someone else's benefit.

Key Takeaways

•A deposit happens only if the owner agrees to give possession.
•The owner (depositor) keeps ownership of the property.
•The person receiving it (depositary) must keep it for the owner's benefit or a third party's benefit.

Example

You lend your lawnmower to a neighbor so they can mow your yard while you're on vacation.

You are the depositor, the neighbor is the depositary, you still own the lawnmower, and the neighbor must take care of it and return it when you ask.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1814 Voluntary Property Deposit Rules

A voluntary deposit is made by one giving to another, with his consent, the possession of personal property to keep for the benefit of the former, or of a third party. The person giving is called the depositor, and the person receiving the depositary. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

voluntary deposit depositor depositary

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1814.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References