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Authors

Kayla Pfeifer

Publication Date

3-2023

Document Type

Casenote

Abstract

On September 25, 2020, extended-stay motel residents Armetrius Neason, Lynetrice Preston, and Altonese Weaver filed suit against the Efficiency Lodge branch they once considered home. Efficiency Lodge Inc. is a hotel chain that operates under an extended-stay model and primarily caters to low-income residents. Before litigation arose, Efficiency Lodge’s website displayed the slogan, “Stay a Nite or Stay Forever.” Each plaintiff continuously resided at the extended-stay motel for periods ranging anywhere from almost one to five years. They each signed uniform rental agreements, paid weekly rent, and housed their personal belongings in their rooms. Toward the end of their respective residencies, the plaintiffs experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, each plaintiff fell behind on their rent payments. In response, Efficiency Lodge communicated to each plaintiff that the hotel would remove the plaintiffs from the property if they did not catch up on their rent. Plaintiff Preston received a notice on her door from Efficiency Lodge in April 2020, addressing her as a potential “tenan[t] at will” who could be evicted through the court process.

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