2019 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 45 - Hotels, Motels, Restaurants and Boardinghouses
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
Section 45-1-40. Innkeeper's liability for loss of baggage, money, jewels, and other personal property.

"Innkeeper" as used in this section shall mean the proprietor of any hotel, inn, boardinghouse, motor court, or motel where beds or lodging are for hire. Whenever an innkeeper shall post and keep posted in a conspicuous manner in the room occupied by any guest a notice requiring such guest to bolt the door of his room, or on leaving his room to lock the door and leave the keys at the office, and also to deposit such money and jewels as are not ordinarily carried upon the person in the office safe, and the guest shall neglect to comply with the requirements of such notice, the innkeeper shall not be liable for the loss of any baggage of such guest which may be lost or stolen from his room or for the loss of any money or jewels not deposited in the safe. Provided, however, that notwithstanding the provisions of this section any innkeeper who by his own negligence contributes to the loss or damage to baggage or personal property, other than money or jewelry, from guest rooms, or to the loss or damage to money or jewelry from his safe, may be liable to the guest for the actual value of such baggage or personal property or five hundred dollars, whichever is less, or the actual value of such money or jewelry or two thousand dollars, whichever is less. Provided, however, that, notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any innkeeper who by his own wilfulness contributes to the loss or damage to the personal property of a guest shall not have his liability limited in any manner by the provisions of this section.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 35-4; 1952 Code Section 35-4; 1942 Code Section 7222; 1932 Code Section 7222; Civ. C. '22 Section 3935; Civ. C. '12 Section 2616; Civ. C. '02 Section 1741; 1888 (20) 9; 1963 (53) 278.