When you hire a costume you are usually required to sign a rental agreement. These agreements usually state the exact condition of the costume when it was hired to you and if there were any other items in the rental (wigs, shoes).

What are my rights?

It is expected that anyone who hires a costume will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the costume is returned in a satisfactory condition by the due date. Most businesses realise that slight soiling will take place and that at times minor damage may occur, but you may still be held liable for these. All costume shops have different policies for lost or damaged costumes but following are some common policies.

Policies for loss or damage

Most costume hire or fancy dress hire businesses will include the professional dry cleaning of all costumes as part of the rental price. Most businesses will specifically ask you to NOT clean or wash the costume. Many costumes are made out of materials that most of us aren’t used to handling and washing and by doing so; we can easily damage or ruin fragile or expensive costumes. Always check with the rental business what their cleaning policy is.

Many rented costumes include other items such as hair pieces, shoes, gloves, belts or eyewear. These items are part of the rental agreement and you are expected to take all reasonable care with them. If you damage or lose one of these items you will most likely be liable for the cost of replacing the item to the same specifications. If this item isn’t available except as part of a more complete costume or set you may be liable for the purchase of a full new costume.

Most rental agreements will have a clause that states that you are liable for the replacement of the costume if you lose it or damage it beyond repair. Some businesses will ask that you leave credit card details or a deposit to secure this payment when you rent your costume. These details or deposit are then returned when you return the costume in a fair and reasonable condition. Many hire costumes can be very expensive to replace so as a consumer you need to be fully aware of the businesses policy towards loss and damage and your obligations under this policy.

If you damage a costume you will most likely be liable for the repair of the costume and any other associated costs. You should never try to repair a costume yourself, you may cause further damage and therefore incur more cost for yourself. Many small tears or rips can be repaired but most repairs will still incur some cost. Small repairs may also include the purchase of materials and the shipping of these materials. Once again, you should be fully aware of the store’s policy before signing a rental agreement.

Hiring of costumes from a registered business is an act of trade and is covered by state and federal consumer law. This means that if you feel you are being unfairly treated after losing or damaging a costume you should contact the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) or your relevant state consumer rights body.

When renting a costume you need to remember that you are hiring the asset of a business and that you are liable for its safe return. If you feel that you aren’t able to take reasonable steps to ensure its return in good condition you may want to consider if renting a costume is the best option for you.

Want to hire a costume for your next costume party? Start your search here.