RENTAL FAQ
See our Rental Agreement / Terms and Conditions for more detail on policies.
BALLROOM ACCESS
Once your booking is confirmed we’ll send you instructions for our front gate and side entrance door. Once inside the side door, the stairs to your right will lead you down into the ballroom. Prior to leaving, close ope windows, turn off lights and fans, lock entrance door and close the front gate securely.​ Return everything to its proper place before exiting.​​​
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DO NOT Request Entry at the Gate Upon Arrival. Organizers should arrive ahead of the rental period to let you in. If arriving for a group event, please contact the organizer to let you in. Please refrain from using the gate's doorbell feature to ask to be let in, out of respect for the privacy of the building's residents.​
PARKING
Street parking is available, but depending on the time of day, availability can be limited. The nearest paid lot is just at the end of the block on Aloha & 11th Ave E. The lot is used by Lowell Elementary School during the day on weekdays, but is available to the public in the evenings and on weekends.​
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DO NOT Use or Block Driveways
Parking or blocking either or both private driveways is prohibited 24/7. Violators will be towed at their own expense. Renters are responsible for any and all parking citations, towing, or other infractions incurred during the rental period.​​
TRANSPORTATION
​The ballroom is accessible by public transportation with multiple bus lines within a couple blocks and Sound Transit's Link Light Rail station, located within half a mile (approx. 11 minutes on foot). There is a paid lot down the block on 11th ave E. and Aloha (attached to Lowell Elementary) that is available for use on evenings & weekends.
Check out ​​these links for more detail:
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Link Light Rail (Capitol Hill station)
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Nearby Lot (evenings & weekends only)
SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS
Your rental period begins and ends promptly as written on your booking confirmation. Renters must be out by end of the rental period. Please plan accordingly; if you need time to set up, consider renting for a longer period of time. If someone is encroaching on your rental period and/or disturbing you during your confirmed rental period, please let us know and we'll reach out to them.
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DO NOT Disrupt Other Renters. If you arrive early, please wait in the outdoor seating area (in extreme weather, go directly into the coat room and avoid sitting in the main ballroom area. If someone is encroaching on your rental period and/or disturbing you during your confirmed rental period, please let us know and we'll reach out to them.
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Bookings are first come first serve, pay as you go, and appointments are booked by the renter through our website. Looking to rent on a recurring, long-term basis? Have an event requiring complicated cancellation handling? Email us. and we'll get you scheduled.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations can be made in the original booking email, but will only be available to cancel 24-hours in advance, due to our 24-hour Cancellation Policy. If you experience issues cancelling an appointment, email us. To ensure a refund, make the cancellation before 24-hours of the appointment.
There may be times when we need to cancel your appointment. We do our best to avoid this, but it may be necessary for space maintenance or other reasons. In the event of a cancellation, you would receive a full refund.
GROUP RENTALS & EVENTS
Please arrive before your guests to ensure timely access to the space for your rental period and instruct guests that they should refrain from using the doorbell to request entry, out of respect for the privacy of the building's residents. It is the renter's responsibility to coordinate any and all details pertaining to the rental with their guests.​​​​
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You are responsible for the conduct of persons in the space during the rental period, as well as the care of the space itself. Clean up any spills immediately as to prevent damage to the floor. ​​Leave the space in a presentable condition; dispose of any trash and put any furniture you moved back to the original location. ​​Follow proper disposal guidelines for trash, recycling, and composting as per King County regulations.​​​​​
ALCOHOL
If alcohol is to be served, renters must comply with all applicable alcohol regulations, obtain necessary permits (e.g., Banquet Permit or Special Occasion License), and comply with ALL rules of the permit.
Read more about permitting requirements here: WA State Liquor & Cannabis Board.
LOST & FOUND
All items left in the space will be placed in our lost and found, located in the coat room. As previously stated, Lowdown Ballroom is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged during the rental, and unclaimed items will be donated at our discretion.
BALLROOM CARE & RESTRICTIONS
Use only clean, non-marking shoes on the floor (tap shoes may be used only with protective measures such as a tap-board).​Use of rosin, wax, talc, powder or any other product on the floor is strictly prohibited. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately as to prevent damage to the floor.
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All items brought into the space must not damage the floor (e.g., felt pads on furniture, rugs for drums, etc.). Use painter’s or gaffer’s tape ONLY for securing cables or cords to the floor, or to adhere temporary decorations to the walls. Do not affix anything to walls or surfaces without prior written approval (including nails, screws, fasteners, etc.).
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Use of confetti of any kind, glitter, rice, fog machines, bubbles, fireworks, or anything similar to these items on the premises are strictly prohibited.
NOISE RESTRICTIONS
Renters must abide by the City of Seattle's Noise Ordinance. Noise and music volume should be kept at a respectful level, including upon entry and exit, out of respect for our residents and neighbors.
SECURITY & SAFETY
Renters and guests agree to our Video Surveillance Policy. Incident footage can be secured up to 4 days following the incident, and provided directly to authorities upon request; it is the responsibility of the renter to contact the authorities in the event of emergency.
Renters and their guests are to follow all safety and legal standards, including following all city and state regulations, and obtaining any necessary permits or licenses, as well as insurance coverage when applicable.
Lowdown Ballroom is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged during the rental, and unclaimed items will be donated at our discretion. Financial loss due to damage to or theft from the space will
REFUSAL OF SERVICE
We reserve the right to refuse service for any reason (please don’t give us a reason!).