AN ACT to further define transient occupancy and to determine when it converts, if at all, to a tenancy governed by chapter 42 of the general statutes.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 72‑1, as amended by S.L. 2023‑5, reads as rewritten:

§ 72‑1.  Must furnish accommodations; contracts for termination valid.

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(c)        For the purposes of this section, a transient occupancy is the rental of an accommodation by an inn, hotel, motel, recreational vehicle park, campground, or similar lodging to the same guest or occupant for fewer less than 90 consecutive days. The 90‑day period begins on the first day of the transient occupancy and ends on the ninetieth day. A guest may not attempt to restart the 90‑day period by changing rooms within the same property. On the last day of the 90‑day period, the transient occupancy terminates and the guest must vacate. If the guest does not vacate, the innkeeper may have law enforcement remove the guest from the property for trespassing.

(d)       The innkeeper and the guest may instead, however, elect to enter into a lease agreement for the rental of the transient occupancy for a period of time beyond the 90‑day period described in subsection (c) of this section. The terms of the lease agreement, including any provisions regarding security deposits or recovery of possessions, shall be governed by Chapter 42 of the General Statutes.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.