Can a hotel clerk consent to search a guest's room before checkout?

A hotel clerk cannot provide consent for law enforcement to search a guest's room before checkout because the guest has a reasonable expectation of privacy in their accommodations. The guest, having rented the room, has control over it and can deny access to anyone, including hotel staff, and by extension, law enforcement.

The constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures ensure that only the individual with the authority over the space can give consent for a search. Unless specific circumstances arise, such as imminent danger or evidence destruction, which are not typical conditions outlined in standard hotel policies, the clerk does not have the legal standing to consent to such a search.

While a guest may be approached by police for a search with the guest's express permission in their presence, without that permission, the clerk's ability to consent on behalf of the guest is not legally recognized.