Daily Halacha - Choshen Mishpat Laws, 23 Tammuz 5777
Essential guidelines on property rights and personal interactions from the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Is it permissible to take something without permission if people generally don't mind?
A minor item that people typically don't mind sharing, such as a small amount of toilet paper, may be taken without permission, though it is pious conduct to refrain even from this [Shulchan Aruch 359:1].
Is it permissible to take someone's property as a joke with the intention of returning it?
It is forbidden to steal as a joke or to cause distress to another person, even with the intention of returning the item [Shulchan Aruch section 359].
Ach Tov VaChesed - Daily Halacha
