Can a motel or extended stay hotel withhold mail?

Full question:

Does a motel/ extended stay hotel have the right to withhold mail?

  • Category: Government
  • Subcategory: US Mail
  • Date:
  • State: Nevada

Answer:

No, a motel or extended stay hotel cannot withhold mail. Under United States Code, Section 1708, taking or concealing mail that isn’t intended for the individual in possession is considered theft and is punishable by law. This includes any theft of mail, regardless of its value, which is classified as a third degree felony. Penalties can include fines, up to five years in prison, or both. You should inform the hotel of this law and can also file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Service. We could not find any specific rules for extended stay hotels that would override this.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, you can receive mail at an extended stay hotel. Most extended stay hotels have a system in place for receiving and holding mail for guests. It’s a good idea to provide the hotel with your name and room number when expecting mail to ensure it’s properly delivered to you.