Finding out that a hotel or motel has been cycling you out every few weeks can leave you frustrated and unsure how to steady your footing. You may have treated that room as your home, only to be told that you are a short-term guest with limited rights. The disruption can affect your work, your sleep, and your sense of safety. It is understandable to want a clear explanation of what is happening and what you can do next.
In these situations, 28-day shuffle litigation in Los Angeles could offer a path to accountability. An attorney at the Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, APC could help you sort through the facts and understand which legal protections apply, without adding pressure to an already tense situation. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
In California, a person who remains in a hotel or residential motel for 30 days or longer often gains tenant protections under state law. Such protections include safeguards against sudden removal and improper lockouts. Some properties try to avoid those rules by forcing guests to check out or move rooms before they reach the 30-day mark. This pattern is known as the 28-day shuffle, and California Civil Code section 1940.1 is designed to address it.
A knowledgeable Los Angeles attorney experienced in handling 28-day shuffle cases could look past labels and examine how the property you have been staying in actually operates. Residential hotels that push guests through repeated short stays to avoid creating lawful tenancies can face financial penalties. Under state law, each forced move that interrupts a 30-day stay can trigger a civil penalty of five hundred dollars. Over time, these repeated disruptions can create a pattern that supports litigation. Common signs of a possible 28-day shuffle can include:
Recognizing these strategies often helps lawyers understand how the property treats long-term guests and whether it is attempting to bypass tenant protections.
A 28-day shuffle litigation lawyer in Los Angeles could review records such as receipts, emails, reservation logs, and house policies. In doing so, your attorney could look for long-term use that resembles ordinary residential living, including receipt of mail, storage of belongings, or continuous occupancy broken only by required check-outs. Your lawyer may also determine whether the hotel fits the definition of a residential hotel under state law.
Depending on the facts, our legal team may pursue claims under Cal. CIV § 1940.1, as well as consumer protection and housing statutes. Some matters grow into class actions if many guests experienced similar treatment. These cases often involve extended-stay properties that serve individuals who rely on stable and affordable housing. A careful review of each guest’s timeline could help our team determine the scope of your case and the best approach for seeking relief.
If you suspect the property you have been staying at has cycled you through repeated short stays to avoid recognizing you as a tenant, speak with an attorney who understands 28-day shuffle litigation in Los Angeles and the local rules that apply. Our legal team could review your documents, listen to your account, and offer guidance that fits your goals.
Choosing the Law Offices of Gerald S. Ohn, APC could give you a clearer view of what steps might be available. A conversation with a lawyer may help you regain control of a situation that has caused unnecessary disruption and allow you to decide how you want to move forward. Contact us today to learn more about how we could help you.
