Pennsylvania § 1323 - Liability for property loss or damage.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1323 — Liability for property loss or damage., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1323. Liability for property loss or damage.
(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b) and section 1324 (relating to special arrangements for safe deposit of valuables), no hotelkeeper or campground owner, whether individual, partnership or corporation, shall be liable for loss or damage to property suffered by a guest, unless the hotelkeeper or campground owner fails to constantly maintain any of the following:
(1) A metal safe or vault in good order and fit for custody of money, bank notes, jewelry, gold or silver articles, precious stones, personal ornaments, railroad mileage books or tickets, negotiable or valuable papers and bullion. This paragraph shall not apply to campground owners.
(2) Suitable locks, bolts and fastenings on the doors, transoms and windows of the sleeping rooms used by guests.
(3) A copy of this section, posted and printed in distinct type in not fewer than 10 conspicuous places throughout the hotel or inn.
(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding compliance with subsection (a), a hotelkeeper is liable for property loss or damage if a guest delivers property for custody in the safe or vault and the hotelkeeper omits or refuses to accept it, deposit it in the safe or vault or provide the guest with a receipt, except that a hotelkeeper is not:
(1) obliged to receive from any one guest property exceeding a total value of $300; or
(2) liable for an amount in excess of $300, whether or not the property was actually received.
(c) Definitions.--The following words and phrases when used in this section shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Hotel." The term includes apartment hotels.
"Hotelkeeper." The term includes apartment hotelkeepers.
(June 5, 2020, P.L.250, No.33, eff. 60 days)
2020 Amendment. Act 33 amended subsec. (a) intro. par. and (1).
Cross References. Section 1323 is referred to in sections 1324, 1326 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 1323
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1323 cover?
Section 1323 ("Liability for property loss or damage.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 1323?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1323" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 1323 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.