Q: Can a motel lock us out and hold our property until we pay them? We have been a resident there for Almost 6 months
Me and my girlfriend have lived in a motel/bed and breakfast for over 5 months in Las Vegas nevada. We pay $90 a day in cash. We got most of our receipts. Anyways we didn't pay rent for two days and told them to just give me one more day and I'll have my check and can pay everything. They didn't want to do that so they had their security come and kick us out of our room last night at 10:00 p.m. and they put a lock around the door handle so no one can go in or out of it. They didn't even give us enough time to get all of our stuff together... They said come back tomorrow and get it when you pay us. Are they allowed to do that or do they have to release our property to us? As for kicking us out, after 30 days don't we establish residency and they are supposed to get a written eviction notice from the courts? I'm not sure if I'm saying that correct or not I'm not too familiar with the lingo. But please help me. Thanks
A: In Nevada, if you've lived in the same location for an extended period, even if it's a motel or hotel, you may be considered a tenant rather than a mere guest. This designation can come with certain rights. If you've resided in a place for over 30 days, the establishment often cannot just lock you out without following formal eviction procedures. Evictions generally require notice and an opportunity to address the issue or to move out. Regarding your property, they generally cannot hold your possessions hostage for payment. However, Nevada law does allow for innkeepers to have a lien on a guest's property in certain situations, but the specifics and how they are applied can be complex.
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