In legal terms, a guest typically refers to someone who is invited onto another person’s property for a social visit or recreational purpose. The legal status of a guest on someone’s property may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of their visit. In general, property owners owe a duty of care to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for invited guests. This duty may include warning guests about any known hazards on the property and taking reasonable steps to prevent accidents or injuries. However, the level of responsibility owed to a guest may differ from that owed to a trespasser or licencee, who enters the property without permission or for their own benefit. It’s essential for property owners to understand their legal obligations concerning guests and take appropriate measures to protect their safety.
- in general, a person paying to stay in a hotel, motel or inn for a short time.
- a person staying at another's residence without charge, called a "social guest." An important distinction is that a non-paying guest is not owed the duty of being provided a safe boarding space, as is a paying customer. Thus if a social guest trips on a slippery rug, he/she has no right to sue for negligence, but a paying guest might.
- an "automobile" guest is one who is a passenger without paying, as distinguished from a taxi fare, bus rider or one who has paid a friend to drive. However, the so-called "guest statute" may give a non-paying passenger the right to sue. An automobile guest is somewhat (but not entirely) analogous to the "social guest" in a residence.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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