The liability of the keeper of any inn or hotel, whether individual, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, for loss of or injury to personal property placed by any guest under the keeper’s care, other than that described in §§ 43-40-1 to 43-40-4, inclusive, is that of a depository for hire, except that if the loss or injury is caused by fire not intentionally produced by the innkeeper or the innkeeper’s servants, the innkeeper is not liable. In no case may the liability exceed the sum of one hundred fifty dollars for each trunk and its contents, fifty dollars for each valise and its contents, and ten dollars for each box, bundle, or package, and contents, so placed under the innkeeper’s care, and all other miscellaneous effects, including wearing apparel and personal belongings, fifty dollars, unless the innkeeper has consented in writing with the guest to assume a greater liability.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 43-40-5

  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Partnership: A voluntary contract between two or more persons to pool some or all of their assets into a business, with the agreement that there will be a proportional sharing of profits and losses.

Source: SL 1913, ch 237, § 4; RC 1919, § 1001; SDC 1939, § 60.0704; SL 1994, ch 351, § 169.