PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: April 2026  |  Last Updated: April 2026

1. Introduction

The Uptown House ("we," "us," or "our") is a privately owned short-term vacation rental property located at 4907 14th Street NW, Washington D.C., operated by its owner ("Host"). We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all guests, prospective guests, and website visitors (collectively, "you" or "User").

This Privacy Policy describes what personal information we collect, how we use and protect it, your rights regarding that information, and our specific obligations under A2P 10DLC SMS messaging regulations and applicable federal and local law.

By accessing our website, submitting an inquiry, completing a booking form, or communicating with us via any channel, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We may collect the following categories of personal information when you contact us, submit an inquiry, or complete a booking:

•       Full name and group contact details

•       Email address

•       Mobile phone number (used for booking confirmations, pre-arrival communications, and SMS messaging with your express consent)

•       Mailing address (if required for booking documentation)

•       Group size, travel dates, and nature of stay

•       Payment information processed through secure third-party processors (we do not store full payment card numbers)

•       Any additional information you voluntarily provide in communications

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

•       IP address and approximate geographic location

•       Browser type, operating system, and device information

•       Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs

•       Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7)

2.3 Information from Third-Party Booking Platforms

If you book through Airbnb, VRBO, or other third-party platforms, those platforms have their own privacy policies governing the collection and use of your data. We may receive limited booking and contact information from those platforms in connection with your reservation. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any platform you use to make your booking.

3. SMS Messaging and A2P 10DLC Compliance

SMS CONSENT DISCLOSURE: By submitting your mobile phone number through any form on this website or through direct communication, you expressly consent to receive SMS text messages from The Uptown House. Consent to receive SMS messages is NOT a condition of any purchase or booking. Message and data rates may apply.

3.1 Types of SMS Messages We Send

If you opt in to SMS communications, you may receive the following types of messages:

•       Booking confirmations, updates, and reminders

•       Pre-arrival instructions and check-in details

•       During-stay communications regarding your reservation

•       Post-stay follow-up and review requests

•       Responses to inquiries you initiate

3.2 SMS Opt-In and Consent

We will only send you SMS messages if you have provided express written consent. Consent may be obtained through:

•       Checking a consent checkbox on our website contact or booking form

•       Sending us a text message initiating communication

•       Providing verbal or written consent during the booking process

Consent is specific to The Uptown House and will not be shared with any third party for independent marketing purposes.

3.3 How to Opt Out of SMS Messages

You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message you receive from us. After sending STOP, you will receive a single confirmation message and will be unsubscribed. To re-subscribe, reply START or contact us directly.

3.4 SMS Help

If you need assistance, reply HELP to any message, or contact us directly using the information provided in Section 11 of this policy.

3.5 SMS Data Sharing Restriction

CARRIER COMPLIANCE: Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in consent data collected by The Uptown House will NOT be shared with, sold to, or transferred to any third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. This restriction is absolute and unconditional. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

3.6 Message Frequency

Message frequency will vary based on your booking status and inquiries you initiate. During an active booking, you may receive up to 5 messages. Outside of an active booking, messages are sent only in response to your inquiries or upon your request.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:

•       To process and manage your reservation or inquiry

•       To communicate with you regarding your stay, check-in details, and any issues

•       To send SMS messages with your express consent (see Section 3)

•       To send booking confirmations and transactional emails

•       To comply with legal obligations under Washington D.C. short-term rental law and tax reporting requirements

•       To protect the safety and security of our property and guests

•       To improve our website and services

•       To respond to your questions and provide customer support

•       To detect and prevent fraud or unauthorized bookings

We will not use your personal information for any purpose that is incompatible with the purposes described above without your prior consent.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, or managing communications. These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as directed by us and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, including in response to a subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or comply with a government request.

5.3 Washington D.C. Tax and Licensing Compliance

As a short-term vacation rental in Washington D.C., we are subject to the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act and associated tax obligations. We may be required to share limited booking information with the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue or the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection as required by applicable law.

5.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a sale or transfer of ownership of our property or business, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in accordance with applicable law.

5.5 Third-Party Booking Platforms

If you booked through Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform, information shared on those platforms is governed by their respective privacy policies. We do not control the data practices of these third-party platforms.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, or as required by applicable law:

•       Booking records: minimum 3 years to comply with D.C. tax and licensing requirements

•       SMS opt-in and opt-out records: minimum 5 years in accordance with TCPA best practices and carrier requirements

•       Communications and inquiry records: up to 2 years

•       Website analytics data: up to 13 months

When your personal information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small text files placed on your device by your browser.

7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

•       Essential cookies: Required for the website to function properly

•       Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site

•       Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

7.2 Your Cookie Choices

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You may choose to refuse cookies; however, some features of our website may not function properly without them. To opt out of Google Analytics tracking, visit tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

8. Data Security

We implement reasonable and appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

•       Secure HTTPS encryption on our website

•       Use of reputable third-party payment processors that comply with PCI-DSS standards

•       Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

•       Regular review of our data security practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. If you believe your personal information has been compromised, please contact us immediately using the information in Section 11.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

9.1 General Rights

•       Right to know what personal information we have collected about you

•       Right to access a copy of your personal information

•       Right to correct inaccurate personal information

•       Right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements

•       Right to opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP

•       Right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

9.2 California Residents

If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information, the right to limit use of sensitive personal information, and the right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights. To submit a CCPA request, contact us using the information in Section 11.

9.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of the rights described above, please contact us in writing using the contact information provided in Section 11. We will respond to your request within 30 days. We may ask you to verify your identity before fulfilling your request. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 18, please contact us immediately and we will take prompt steps to delete that information.

Guests under 18 may stay at the property only as part of a supervised group or family party, with all bookings made by an adult 18 years of age or older.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, have a concern about how your information is being used, or need SMS support, please contact us:

The Uptown House

4907 14th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20011 United States 

Website: theuptownhousedc.com 

For SMS opt-out support: Reply STOP to any message, or contact us via the website.

12. Washington D.C. Short-Term Rental Compliance Notice

The Uptown House operates as a short-term vacation rental in compliance with the Washington D.C. Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 and applicable amendments. Guests are subject to a hotel and short-term rental tax of 15.95% as applicable under D.C. law. The property operates under a valid short-term rental license issued by the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

Bookings are subject to all applicable D.C. regulations governing short-term vacation rentals. For information on D.C. short-term rental rules, visit dlcp.dc.gov.

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. When we make material changes, we will update the Effective Date at the top of this document and, where required by law, provide you with notice of the change.

Your continued use of our website or services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia and applicable federal law, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the District of Columbia.