Legal Definitions - assignation house

An assignation house refers to a property, building, or part of a building that is regularly used as a place for illicit sexual encounters, often secretly and typically for profit. It is considered a type of "disorderly house" because its primary purpose or frequent use involves activities that are illegal or considered morally offensive by the community, disturbing public order and decency.

• Example 1: The Discreet Apartment Rental
  A landlord owns several apartments in a quiet residential building. One particular apartment is frequently rented out for very short periods, sometimes just a few hours, to different individuals who arrive separately and leave quickly. Neighbors notice a constant stream of unfamiliar people entering and exiting this specific unit at odd hours. It is later discovered that a pimp is using this apartment as a discreet location for sex workers to meet clients, arranging "assignations" there.

  Explanation: This apartment functions as an assignation house because it is regularly used as a clandestine meeting place for illegal sexual activity, disturbing the peace and order of the residential community.

• Example 2: The Backroom of a "Massage Parlor"
  A business operating as a "massage parlor" in a commercial district advertises legitimate massage services. However, local law enforcement receives numerous complaints and tips suggesting that the back rooms of the establishment are being used for paid sexual services beyond therapeutic massage. Investigations reveal that clients are indeed paying for illicit sexual encounters arranged on-site.

  Explanation: Despite its public facade, the back rooms of this establishment constitute an assignation house because they are systematically utilized for illegal sexual "assignations" or meetings, making the property a site of disorderly conduct.

• Example 3: The Suburban Home Turned Venue
  A homeowner in a suburban neighborhood, facing financial difficulties, begins to secretly advertise a "discreet encounter service" online, using their private residence as the location. They arrange for clients to visit their home at various times throughout the week for paid sexual services. Neighbors become suspicious due to the unusual number of unfamiliar cars parked outside at night and the frequent, short visits by different individuals.

  Explanation: This private residence, though a home, becomes an assignation house because it is being regularly and intentionally used as a venue for illicit sexual meetings for profit, thereby transforming it into a place of public disorder in the eyes of the law.