A renter hired 'a donkey' (unspecified) and the donkey died mid-journey. What must the owner do?
When a generic 'a donkey' was rented, the owner committed to providing donkey service for the journey. He must provide another animal. If he fails, the renter may sell the carcass and use the proceeds to rent another.
Question 2
A renter hired 'this specific donkey' to carry a burden (not fragile). It dies mid-journey. What happens?
When a specific animal was hired for carrying burdens (not riding or fragile goods), the owner only receives rent for the distance actually traveled. The renter receives the carcass. No replacement animal is required.
Question 3
An owner said 'I rent you this ship' and the renter contracted to transport generic wine. The ship sinks. What happens to the rent already paid?
Since the owner specified 'this ship,' the renter was entitled to that specific vessel. He can tell the owner: 'Bring me the actual ship and I will bring wine to load on it.' Since the owner cannot produce it, he must return all the rent.
Question 4
May a tenant sublet a rented house to another family of the same size?
Unlike movable objects, the owner is always 'present' with his land. The Rambam rules that a tenant may sublet to a household of equal or smaller size. The owner cannot veto it by claiming concern about strangers possessing his property.
Question 5
A landlord rented 'this house' (specific). The house later collapsed on its own. Must the landlord rebuild?
When a specific house was rented and it collapses naturally (not because the owner tore it down), the owner is not required to rebuild. He refunds the unused portion of rent. If the owner himself demolished it, he would owe a replacement.