(a) Except as provided in AS 08.56.050, the operator of a hotel or boardinghouse is not liable for the loss, damage, or destruction of property brought to or sent into the hotel or boardinghouse by a guest unless the loss, damage, or destruction was caused by negligence of the operator or the operator's agent.
(b) The operator of a hotel or boardinghouse may hold and store baggage or other property left behind or sent in advance for a period of four months after which time the operator may sell it at public auction as provided in AS 34.35.520. The proceeds of a sale, as provided in this section, shall be used to satisfy the hotel or boardinghouse operator's lien, pay expenses of sale and any storage costs incurred. If the hotel or boardinghouse operator does not desire to sell baggage or other property which the operator possesses, the operator may have the property delivered to a storage or warehouse company for storage, in which case the operator's liability for the safekeeping of the property terminates.