Invasion of Privacy Law
Full Question:
Answer:
I am prohibited from giving a legal opinion. The answer will depend on all the facts and circumstances involved. For example, if the employer was responsible for paying the bill, an innkeeper might legally send pictures to verify charges for damages to the room. An employer may also be held accountable for wrongful actions of employees that are done during the scope of employment, under the doctrine of vicarious liability.
Generally, under common law, if a guest isn't not engaging in illegal acts or disturbing other guests, the guest has a limited right of privacy in the room. But if the hotel management suspects illegal activities (such as dealing drugs), it is entitled to enter and search the guest's room, even without their permission. The hotel management cannot, however, authorize the police to search a guest's room without their permission or a search warrant.
The innkeeper also has the right to enter your room to clean or perform needed maintenance, or if necessary, or to prevent disturbances to guests or destruction of hotel property.
However, NY courts have held that there is no common law right to privacy and that it is solely governed by statutes.
