The JCL Law Firm, APC, successfully litigated an unlawful housing class action that vindicated the rights of long-term hotel guests. All too often, low-income individuals and families rely on budget hotels and motels as their primary residences. Often times, these individuals and families are incapable of securing more traditional housing and live in these hotels and motels for months or years at a time. In California, generally, if a guest resides in a hotel or motel for more than 30 consecutive days, the guest earns valuable tenant rights, including the right to be free from harassment, retaliation and the covenant of quiet use and enjoyment.
Unfortunately, the hotel and motel operators attempt to frustrate the establishment of these valuable rights by forcing these long-term guests to check-out and re-register before the expiration of their 30th consecutive day of their tenancy. This unlawful practice, often referred to as the “28-Day Shuffle”, is unlawful.
In this case, the JCL Law Firm successfully challenged such a policy. The case resulted in several hundred thousand dollars being returned to the long-term guest. In addition, as part of the settlement, the JCL Law Firm, was able to direct a $58,000 donation to the Sunburst Youth Housing Project which provides affordable and supportive housing to youth between the ages of 18-24, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ and HIV + youth in the San Diego Community.
The JCL Law Firm is proud that its work not only vindicated the rights of those affected by this unlawful policy but also benefited the San Diego community at large by funding worthy cause addressing low income housing. Click the link below to learn more about the Sun Burst Youth Housing Project.