If performance becomes impossible through no act of either party—such as when the hired animal bolts or the house collapses—rent1 is due only in proportion to the benefit already taken.

Should the lessor abscond, leaving his livestock behind, and the lessee expend on their upkeep intending to be reimbursed, he may recover those expenses, for maintenance rests with the lessor just as it does with one who lends an animal.

Section
Hirelings are of two kinds:

1. An exclusive employee, whose service is measured by time; and
2. A shared employee, whose service is measured by the specific task.

The exclusive employee is not liable for property that perishes while in his hand2 unless he was negligent.

The shared employee is liable for loss caused by his own act—such as tearing, an error in cutting during tailoring, his slipping, a fall3 from the animal4, or the snapping of its rope. He is not liable for anything lost while in secure custody or through causes beyond his control, provided he was not negligent.

Neither a cupper, a circumciser, nor a veterinarian—whether hired exclusively or jointly—is liable so long as he is competent, his hand has not caused wrongful harm, and permission was granted by a legally responsible person or his guardian; nor5 is a shepherd liable, provided he does not overstep or neglect his charge by sleeping or by leaving the animals unattended.

It is invalid for him to herd them in exchange for a share of their increase.