The Dry Cleaner Lost My Coat: Claims Against Repair and Service Shops
You leave something for cleaning or repair and it comes back ruined, or not at all. Here is how the law handles it.
When you leave your property with a business to clean, repair or store, the law calls it a bailment. A business that is paid to look after your property must take reasonable care of it.
If your item is lost or damaged while in a shop's care, the shop may have to pay its value unless it can show it took reasonable care. Small print on the ticket may limit what it pays, but not always.
Proving your claim
- Your ticket or receipt showing you left the item.
- Photos of the item before, if you have them, and after.
- Proof of value: the original receipt, a replacement quote, or a similar listing.
About the small print
Many tickets say the shop's liability is limited, for example to ten times the cleaning price. Courts look at whether the clause was brought to your attention, whether it clearly covers what happened, and whether it is fair.
Steps to take
- Ask the shop in writing to pay for the loss, with your evidence.
- Ask whether it has insurance for customers' property.
- If it refuses, consider a demand letter, then Small Claims Court.
How much can you claim?
Generally the item's value at the time it was lost, not the price of a brand-new one, though the difference may be small for newer items.
NEO represents plaintiffs and defendants in Small Claims Court across Ontario. Call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, email info@neolegalservices.com, or book a free consultation.
Sources
Read next: Who Keeps the Dog? Pet Ownership Disputes in Ontario
General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.
Photos from Pexels: Washing machines in a laundry business · Adding up receipts with a calculator.
This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
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