TERMS OF SERVICE

Effective Date: April 2026  |  Last Updated: April 2026

1. Introduction and Agreement

The Uptown House ("we," "us," "our," or "Host") is a privately owned short-term vacation rental property located at 4907 14th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20011, operated by its owner. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website at theuptownhousedc.com and any reservation, booking, or stay at the property.

By using our website, submitting an inquiry, or making a reservation, you ("Guest," "you," or "your") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

These Terms apply to all Guests, regardless of whether the booking is made directly through our website or through a third-party platform such as Airbnb or VRBO. Where a third-party platform's terms conflict with these Terms, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

2. Eligibility and Age Requirements

AGE REQUIREMENT: You must be at least 18 years of age to make a reservation at The Uptown House. By completing a booking, you represent and warrant that you are 18 years of age or older and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.

The primary Guest who makes the reservation must be 18 or older and must be present for the duration of the stay. Bookings made on behalf of a group must be authorized by all members of the group, and the primary Guest accepts responsibility for the conduct of all members of the group during the stay.

We reserve the right to refuse service to any person or group at our sole discretion, including but not limited to persons who provide false information, have a history of property damage, or whose intended use of the property raises safety or legal concerns.

3. Reservations and Bookings

3.1 Booking Process

Reservations may be made through our website at theuptownhousedc.com or through authorized third-party platforms including Airbnb and VRBO. A reservation is not confirmed until you have received written confirmation from The Uptown House or through the applicable booking platform.

We require a minimum stay of three (3) consecutive nights per reservation. Single-night or two-night bookings are not available without prior written approval from the Host.

3.2 Booking Information Accuracy

By completing a reservation, you represent that all information provided — including the number of guests, purpose of stay, and contact details — is accurate and complete. Providing false or misleading information is grounds for immediate cancellation of your reservation without refund.

3.3 Group Size

The maximum occupancy of The Uptown House is 26 guests for the main house. Any guests beyond the confirmed number in your reservation, including day visitors, are strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the Host. Exceeding the maximum occupancy at any time is grounds for immediate termination of your stay without refund and may result in additional charges.

3.4 Advance Booking

Due to the size and nature of the property, most reservations are made six or more months in advance. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates, particularly during peak seasons including May graduation season, July 4th weekend, October, Thanksgiving week, and the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Rates and Fees

Nightly rates vary based on dates, season, and availability. The applicable rate will be confirmed at the time of booking. In addition to the nightly rate, the following fees apply:

•       Housekeeping fee: $800 per stay (non-negotiable, applies to all reservations)

•       Carriage house add-on: $125 per night (optional, subject to availability, must be requested and confirmed in writing)

•       Washington D.C. short-term rental tax: 15.95% applied to the nightly rate as required by D.C. law

4.2 Direct Bookings

For reservations made directly through our website, payment is processed through our secure third-party payment processor. By submitting payment information, you authorize The Uptown House to charge the full amount due, including nightly rates, housekeeping fee, applicable taxes, and any approved add-ons.

Direct bookings save Guests the platform service fees charged by Airbnb or VRBO, which may range from $500 to $2,000 or more depending on the booking total. No additional booking fee is charged by The Uptown House for direct reservations.

4.3 Third-Party Platform Bookings

For reservations made through Airbnb or VRBO, payment terms, service fees, and processing are governed by the applicable platform's terms and conditions. The Uptown House is not responsible for fees charged by third-party platforms.

4.4 Taxes

All reservations are subject to Washington D.C. short-term rental and hotel tax at the rate of 15.95%, as required under D.C. law and applicable to all stays of 30 days or fewer. For bookings through Airbnb or VRBO, the applicable platform may collect and remit taxes on behalf of the Host. For direct bookings, taxes will be itemized and included in the total amount due at checkout.

5. Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATION NOTICE: Our cancellation policy is strictly enforced. By completing your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the terms below. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

5.1 Guest Cancellations

Free Cancellation Window: Guests may cancel their reservation free of charge within seven (7) calendar days of the original booking date, provided that the cancellation is made at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled check-in date. Cancellations made within the free cancellation window will receive a full refund of all amounts paid, excluding any non-refundable third-party processing fees.

After the Free Cancellation Window: Once the seven (7) day free cancellation window has passed, all payments are non-refundable regardless of the reason for cancellation, including but not limited to personal emergencies, illness, travel disruptions, or changes in plans.

To cancel a reservation made directly through our website, you must submit written notice to [email protected]. The date and time of the cancellation request email will serve as the official cancellation date. Verbal cancellations are not accepted.

For reservations made through Airbnb or VRBO, the applicable platform's cancellation process must be followed. The cancellation policy displayed on the platform at the time of booking governs platform-based reservations.

5.2 Partial Refunds

No partial refunds are available for early departures, late arrivals, unused nights, or any portion of the reservation not utilized by the Guest. The full reservation amount is charged regardless of actual occupancy during the booked dates.

5.3 Host Cancellations

In the rare event that The Uptown House must cancel a confirmed reservation, Guests will receive a full refund of all amounts paid directly to The Uptown House. We will make reasonable efforts to assist Guests in finding comparable alternative accommodation, including providing a list of similar properties in the Washington D.C. area. The Uptown House shall not be liable for any additional costs, losses, or damages arising from a Host-initiated cancellation beyond the full refund of amounts paid.

5.4 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for cancellation or non-performance resulting from circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of government, public health emergencies, acts of terrorism, or other force majeure events. In such circumstances, The Uptown House will work with Guests in good faith to reschedule or, where rescheduling is not possible, provide a credit toward a future stay.

6. House Rules and Guest Conduct

IMPORTANT: Violation of any House Rule may result in immediate termination of your stay without refund and may result in additional charges for damages, cleaning, or violations.

6.1 No Parties or Unauthorized Events

The Uptown House is strictly a private residential rental. Parties, events, gatherings, or any assembly that exceeds the confirmed guest count are expressly prohibited at all times. This includes but is not limited to birthday parties, social events, receptions, or any gathering where additional persons beyond the confirmed reservation are present on the property. The Host's prior written consent is required for any organized event or gathering.

6.2 Unauthorized Guests

Only guests listed in the confirmed reservation are permitted to occupy or visit the property. Day visitors are not permitted without prior written approval from the Host. The confirmed guest count at check-in must match the reservation. Any unauthorized guests found on the property constitute grounds for immediate termination of the stay without refund.

6.3 No Smoking

Smoking of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and any other smoking apparatus, is strictly prohibited inside the property at all times. Smoking is permitted outside the property only, in designated outdoor areas, and must not affect neighboring properties. Violation of this rule will result in a minimum cleaning fee of $500 charged to the primary Guest's payment method.

6.4 Pets

Pets are permitted at The Uptown House subject to prior written approval from the Host. Guests must disclose all pets at the time of booking, including species, breed, and number. Undisclosed pets are not permitted and may result in additional charges or termination of the stay. Guests are responsible for all damage caused by pets and must ensure pets do not disturb neighboring properties.

6.5 Noise and Neighbor Respect

Guests must be respectful of neighboring properties at all times. Excessive noise, loud music, or disruptive behavior that disturbs neighbors is prohibited, particularly between the hours of 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The Uptown House is located in a residential neighborhood and Guests are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

6.6 Property Care

Guests are responsible for leaving the property in the same condition as found at check-in, reasonable wear and tear excepted. This includes disposing of trash properly, washing dishes, and securing all doors and windows upon departure. The housekeeping fee covers standard cleaning between stays. Excessive cleaning requirements beyond standard cleaning will be charged to the primary Guest.

6.7 Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in is available from 4:00 PM on the arrival date. Check-out must be completed by 11:00 AM on the departure date. The property features 24-hour self check-in via keypad. Early check-in or late check-out may be accommodated upon request and subject to availability, at the Host's sole discretion. Failure to check out by 11:00 AM may result in an additional fee of one night's rate.

6.8 Stairs and Physical Accessibility

The Uptown House is a historic Victorian property built in 1907 and spans multiple floors. There is no elevator. All Guests must be physically capable of navigating stairs. The Host is not responsible for any injury or limitation arising from the multi-story nature of the property. By completing your reservation, you confirm that all members of your group are aware of and able to accommodate this physical requirement.

6.9 Security and Property Access

Guests are responsible for the security of the property during their stay, including ensuring all doors and windows are secured. Lost or damaged keys or keycodes may result in a replacement fee. Guests shall not duplicate, share, or distribute access codes or keys to unauthorized persons.

7. Damages, Liability, and Indemnification

7.1 Guest Responsibility for Damages

Guests are responsible for all damage to the property, furnishings, fixtures, appliances, and equipment caused during their stay, whether caused by the primary Guest, members of their group, or any visitor. The Host reserves the right to charge the primary Guest's payment method for the cost of repair or replacement of any damaged items, up to and including the full replacement value of the property's contents.

Guests agree to report any damage or maintenance issues to the Host promptly and in writing. Failure to report damage does not release Guests from financial responsibility.

7.2 Security Deposit

A security deposit may be required for direct bookings, the amount of which will be communicated at the time of booking. The security deposit will be refunded within seven (7) business days of check-out, less any deductions for damages, excessive cleaning, or violations of these Terms. For platform bookings, the applicable platform's security deposit or damage protection policies apply.

7.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, The Uptown House and its owner shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the property or website, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, theft, loss of personal belongings, or interruption of services. The Host's total liability for any claim arising under these Terms shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Guest for the applicable reservation.

7.4 Indemnification

Guests agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Uptown House, its owner, employees, agents, and representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in any way connected with: (a) the Guest's use of the property; (b) violation of these Terms; (c) violation of any applicable law or regulation; or (d) the conduct of any member of the Guest's group or any visitor to the property during the reservation period.

7.5 Personal Property

The Uptown House is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal property belonging to Guests or members of their group during the stay. Guests are encouraged to obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover personal property.

8. SMS Messaging - A2P 10DLC Compliance

SMS CONSENT: By providing your mobile phone number in connection with a booking or inquiry, you expressly consent to receive SMS text messages from The Uptown House related to your reservation. Consent to receive SMS messages is NOT a condition of booking. Message and data rates may apply.

8.1 Types of SMS Messages

With your consent, The Uptown House may send the following types of SMS messages:

•       Booking confirmations, reminders, and updates

•       Pre-arrival instructions and check-in information

•       During-stay communications related to your reservation

•       Post-stay follow-up and review requests

•       Responses to inquiries you initiate

8.2 Opt-Out

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

8.3 Help

For SMS support, reply HELP to any message or contact us at [email protected].

8.4 No Third-Party Sharing

Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in data will never be shared with, sold to, or transferred to any third party for marketing purposes. This restriction is absolute. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

9. Website Use and Intellectual Property

9.1 Permitted Use

You may use our website solely for the purpose of making or managing a reservation at The Uptown House and obtaining information about the property. Any other use, including commercial use, automated data collection, scraping, or redistribution of content, is strictly prohibited.

9.2 Intellectual Property

All content on theuptownhousedc.com, including but not limited to photographs, descriptions, text, graphics, logos, and video, is the property of The Uptown House or its licensors and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on our website without prior written permission.

9.3 Accuracy of Information

We make reasonable efforts to ensure that the information on our website is accurate and up to date. However, we do not warrant that all information is complete, accurate, or current. Property features, availability, and pricing are subject to change without notice. In the event of a discrepancy between the website and a confirmed booking, the terms of the confirmed booking shall prevail.

10. Third-Party Booking Platforms

The Uptown House is listed on Airbnb and VRBO. Reservations made through these platforms are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable platform in addition to these Terms. In the event of a conflict between platform terms and these Terms, the more restrictive provision applicable to Guest conduct and property use shall apply.

The Uptown House is not responsible for the terms, fees, policies, or actions of Airbnb, VRBO, or any other third-party platform. Any disputes with a third-party platform must be resolved directly with that platform.

By booking through a third-party platform, you authorize that platform to share your booking information with The Uptown House as necessary to facilitate your reservation and stay.

11. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, available at theuptownhousedc.com/privacy-policy. By using our website or making a reservation, you acknowledge and consent to the data practices described in our Privacy Policy.

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia and applicable federal law, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or your stay at The Uptown House, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiation before pursuing any formal legal action. Written notice of the dispute must be provided to The Uptown House at [email protected].

12.3 Jurisdiction

Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms shall be brought exclusively in the courts of the District of Columbia. Both parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

12.4 Waiver of Class Action

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to resolve any disputes with The Uptown House on an individual basis and waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

13. Washington D.C. Short-Term Rental Compliance

The Uptown House operates in compliance with the Washington D.C. Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 and all applicable amendments. All stays are subject to Washington D.C. hotel and short-term rental tax at the current applicable rate. The property operates under a valid short-term rental license issued by the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).

Guests are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations during their stay, including but not limited to local noise ordinances, public safety laws, and any regulations specific to the property's neighborhood.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any written booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between you and The Uptown House with respect to your use of the website and property, and supersede all prior negotiations, representations, warranties, and understandings.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

14.3 Waiver

The failure of The Uptown House to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or of any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of The Uptown House.

14.4 Modifications

The Uptown House reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Your continued use of the website or property following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. For existing confirmed reservations, the Terms in effect at the time of booking shall apply.

14.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your reservation or any rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of The Uptown House. The Uptown House may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of the property.

14.6 No Partnership

Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between you and The Uptown House.

15. Contact Information

For all inquiries related to these Terms of Service, cancellations, damages, SMS opt-out, or legal notices, please contact us.