Hotel Policies During Hurricanes: Can You Be Kicked Out?
During a hurricane, you might wonder if a hotel has the right to kick you out. Understanding the legal and safety implications is crucial for both guests and hoteliers.
Understanding Hotel Responsibilities
In general, a hotel should not kick you out during a hurricane due to safety concerns and the potential risks involved. Evicting guests during such a critical time could expose them to dangerous weather conditions, which makes it a severe liability issue for the hotel. The priority should be to ensure all guests are safe.
Hotel Actions Before and During a Hurricane
Hotels can take several actions before a hurricane hits to ensure guest safety. For example, they may move all guests out of their rooms and into a ballroom or a lower floor area for safety. These areas are typically equipped with emergency exits and have better chances of avoiding flood damage. During a hurricane, if a hotel decides that it is unsafe to remain in the current location, they might be able to demand all guests to vacate the property before the storm arrives.
A Hurricane of Short Duration
A hurricane might last for a few days, but most often, the hotel would have already evacuated its guests before the hurricane hits. If the hotel deems it necessary, they might vacate the property afterward if conditions are unsafe, such as power issues or structural damage. However, during the actual hurricane, a hotel is not supposed to kick guests out. The liability issue would be too great, and forcing guests to stay in dangerous conditions could lead to serious legal consequences.
Legal Rights and Eviction During a Hurricane
There are situations where a hotel might have the right to demand a guest vacate the property. For instance, if the hurricane hits and the hotel staff and management decide to leave due to unsafe conditions (storm surge, flooding, etc.), the guest would be required to leave with the rest of the personnel. This decision is based on the hotel's private property rights and the potential risks they face.
The question now becomes whether you can be evicted during a hurricane. From a legal standpoint, during the hurricane itself, it is unlikely that a hotel can discharge a guest based on safety concerns. However, in the wake of a hurricane or if a guest is in the path and the hotel decides that it is not safe to stay, the situation might change. Hotels are not shelters, and they are not obligated to provide shelter. Your reservation is usually for a limited amount of time and necessitates payment. Therefore, it is best to understand and respect the terms and conditions of your stay.
It is important to note that the specific circumstances can vary based on local laws and the individual hotel's policies. Always check with your hotel and local authorities for specific guidelines and emergency procedures.