These statutes provide basic standards regulating the following:
- A written statement setting forth the time period during which a guest may occupy an assigned room, signed or initialed by the guest, is deemed a valid contract.
- Innkeepers are not liable for loss or damage to the property of their guests except in case such loss or damage results from the failure of the innkeeper to exercise ordinary, proper, and reasonable care.
- Upon the request of any guest, the innkeeper has a duty to receive and safely keep money, jewelry, and valuables to an amount not exceeding $500. No innkeeper is required to receive and take care of any valuables of an amount greater than $500. No innkeeper is liable for the loss, damage, or destruction of any money or jewels not so deposited.
- Innkeepers may permit pets in rooms. Innkeepers allowing pets must post a sign at registration area measuring not less than five inches by seven inches informing guests that pets are permitted in sleeping rooms and in adjoining rooms. If certain pets are permitted or prohibited, the sign must state so. If any pets are permitted, the innkeeper must maintain a minimum of 10% of the sleeping rooms in the inn or hotel as rooms where pets are not permitted, and the sign must also state that such rooms are available.
- Every innkeeper must keep posted in every room of the house occupied by guests, and in the office, a printed copy of NC General Statute Chapter 72 Article 1 and of all regulations relating to the conduct of guests.
- A diagram depicting two evacuation routes must be posted on or immediately adjacent to every required egress door from each hotel or motel or dormitory guestroom. Innkeepers may contact the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal for more information regarding evacuation postings at (800) 634-7854 or visit https://www.ncosfm.gov/
- A hotel has a duty to receive guests, but the duty is not absolute and is subject to lawful exceptions. Hotels may generally deny accommodations to a prospective guest for the following reasons:
- If the person is unwilling or unable to pay for a room or other establishment privileges
- If the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or creating a public nuisance
- If the person’s use of a room or accommodation would violate the facility’s maximum capacity
- If the innkeeper reasonably believes the person will use the room or facility for an unlawful purpose
- If the innkeeper reasonably believes the person will bring in something that would create an unreasonable danger or risk to others
- A hotel has the right to remove a guest for generally the same reasons as its right to deny accommodations stated above. If the guest does not leave voluntarily, the hotel may contact local law enforcement, advise that the guest is trespassing, and request enforcement of trespass laws.
- A hotel has an affirmative duty, stemming from a guest’s rights of privacy and peaceful possession, not to allow unregistered and unauthorized third parties to gain access to its guests’ rooms. However, it is understood that the hotel will have access for routine housekeeping and in the case of emergencies.
- A hotel is entitled to a lien upon all baggage and other personal property brought on premises by a guest in order to satisfy unpaid charges for the room, accommodations, and other items or services furnished at the request of the guest (NCGS 44A-2(b)).
