By choosing our venue, you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all parties involved. Please read these terms carefully before confirming your rental agreement.
Insurance Requirement: All bookings require a $1 million general liability insurance policy, adding The Unity Center c/o Dr. Arthur Darby III, 6901 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, as additional insured. This policy should cover any damages or losses caused by your event or guests, both within and outside the premises. The Unity Center will not be held responsible for any incidents involving your guests, and you are fully liable for any damages or injuries during your event.
Rental Hours and Scheduling: Unity Center rentals are now structured in 6-hour blocks to ensure efficient space use and scheduling compliance. Available rental blocks are as follows:
- Morning to Afternoon Block: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Late Morning to Afternoon Block: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Evening Block: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Set-Up and Breakdown: Guests are responsible for the set-up and breakdown of their event. Please book enough hours to cover your set-up and breakdown times. We recommend allowing at least 1 hour for breakdown to ensure the facility is cleaned and vacated on time. We encourage guests to arrange for adequate help to efficiently manage the breakdown process to avoid any late checkout penalties.
Security Deposit and Late Checkout Policy: To ensure a timely transition between events and maintain our facility in excellent condition, a $300 security deposit in the form of a certified check is required at the time of reservation. This deposit will cover any potential damages, insufficient clean-up, or violations of our rules. We adhere to a strict late checkout policy. If the venue is not vacated by the scheduled end time, a late checkout fee of $300 per hour will be charged. This fee will be deducted from your security deposit.
Outside Catering: Outside catering is allowed. However, caterers must bring all necessary supplies, including water for sternos, as the center does not have kitchen facilities. It is the caterer's responsibility to be fully prepared for the event without access to kitchen amenities. Please ensure your caterer is informed of these limitations and plans accordingly.
Decorator Guidelines and Prohibited Materials: Decorators are not permitted to attach anything to the walls, mark up the walls or structure, or cause damage to the premises. This includes no nails, glue, paste, tape, or other adhesive that may damage walls or structures. Nothing should be hung from lights or attached to the ceiling that could cause damage. Absolutely no use of confetti, glitter, or similar hard-to-clean materials is allowed. Violating this rule will result in the forfeiture of the entire security deposit.
The Unity Center Alcohol Policy: Any liabilities arising from the consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal narcotics on the premises are the Client's responsibility. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
- Fighting
- Destruction of property
- Disrespectful conduct
- Allowing minors to consume alcohol
- Possession/consumption of alcohol not served by the bartender
- Consumption of alcohol in private vehicles on Event Center property
Clients are required to use our preferred bartending services if they choose to serve alcohol during their event. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Compliance is mandatory to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests and attendees.
At the Unity Center’s discretion, we reserve the right to:
- Evict any individuals engaging in prohibited activities
- Close the bar and remove alcoholic beverages
- Withhold the security deposit
Trash Management and Cleaning Supplies: The Unity Center maintains a clean, pest-free environment. To support this, we provide five extra-large trash bags for each event, as well as brooms, mops, and other cleaning materials. These items are available from the on-site event manager and must be returned after use. Guests must tie the trash bags securely and place them in the designated trash bins to prevent spillage. It is the guests' responsibility to ensure thorough cleanup of both the inside of the venue and all outdoor areas, including the parking lot. In the event of any spillages, guests are expected to use the provided mops to clean up any liquids immediately.
Event Coordination and Communication: On the event day, the primary contract signee may be actively involved in the event itself and may not be readily available to manage coordination or address issues that arise. To ensure smooth communication and effective event management, we highly encourage assigning a designated coordinator or planner to liaise with our on-site Event Manager. This designated individual will be the primary point of contact for any issues or needs during the event.
No Smoking and Drug Use: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building. If guests smoke outside, it must be done at least 200 feet from the house. Additionally, no illegal drugs of any kind are allowed on the premises. This includes the use of legal marijuana. The Unity Center maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drug use, whether legal or illegal.
Respect for the Community: Since we are located in a residential area, we kindly ask that events past 9:00 PM be respectful to the community. Please keep noise levels and guest activities within the center premises. No drinking is permitted outside of the center or in the parking lot.
Unity Center's Right to Amend: The Unity Center reserves the right to cancel any guest reservations, stop the event, adjust timing, or close the establishment at any time without penalty. In the event of any changes, we will refund only the rental cost, excluding any other incurred expenses.
Special Event Insurance: Guests should purchase the special event insurance policy. The host is not responsible for insurance for all events.
Restricted Areas: Guests are not allowed in any designated center area except the event room. No outside loitering or use of the patio or yard. All activities must take place inside of the venue or you can be asked to leave
Liability Disclaimer:
The Unity Center and its owner shall not be held liable for any injuries sustained by guests, their attendees, or any affiliated individuals. All items and services are provided on an "as is" basis. Guests, their attendees, or any affiliated individuals are not permitted to sue the owner of the Unity Center or Unity in the Community Nonprofit, as the rental of this location is solely for donation purposes.
By completing the rental application and signing the rental agreement, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. Unity Center reserves the right to terminate the rental agreement if these terms are violated, ensuring the safety and comfort of all parties involved.