Chapter 2. Establishing the liability of hotel proprietors and innkeepers in the District of Columbia
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CHAP. 2.— An Act Establishing the liability of hotel proprietors and innkeepers in the District of Columbia. December 21, 1920. [[H. R. 12887](/us/bill/66/hr/12887).] [[Public, No. 287](/us/pl/66/287).] *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * District of Columbia.Hotel keepers not liable to guests for money, etc., unless deposited in safe provided therefor. That whenever the proprietor of any hotel or inn in the District of Columbia shall provide in such hotel or inn a suitable safe or vault for the safekeeping of any money, jewelry, or other articles of value, other than wearing apparel, belonging to or in the custody of guests, and shall notify the guests thereof by keeping conspicuously posted in the office and on the inside of the entrance door of the sleeping rooms of said hotel or inn a notice printed in distinct English type, such proprietor shall not be liable for the loss of or injury to any such property by theft or otherwise sustained by any guest unless such guest has offered to deliver the same to such proprietor for custody in such safe or vault and such proprietor has omitted or refused to receive it and deposit it in such safe or vault and to give such guest a receipt therefor: *Provided, *That in no case shall such proprietor be liable for the loss*Provisos.*Liability limited. or injury to property so deposited in an amount exceeding the sum of $500, except by special contract in writing, stating the kind and value of property received, the kind and extent of the liability of said proprietor, and the reasonable consideration to be paid for such safekeeping, not in excess of the customary insurance charge or 1081 1082 premium, and which said contract shall be signed by said guest and said proprietor or his clerk: *Provided further, *That nothing hereinArticles guests may retain. contained shall apply to such an amount of money and such jewelry or other articles of value as is usual, common, or prudent for guests to retain in their rooms.
Sec. 2. That whenever the proprietor of any hotel or inn shallLocking of rooms, etc. keep posted in a conspicuous manner on the inside of the entrance door to the sleeping rooms of said hotel or inn a notice printed in distinct English type requiring the guests occupying said rooms to lock or bolt the door of said room and upon leaving said room to lockLimitation of liability for baggage therein. the door and deposit the key at the office, the proprietor shall not be liable for any baggage stolen from said room if it shall appear that said room was left by the guest unlocked or unbolted, or that the key was not so deposited at the office at the time of the loss of said baggage, unless the loss is directly or indirectly caused by or attributable to the proprietor or his employee or employees.
Approved, December 21, 1920.