1871 House Accommodations

POLICIES 

1. Turn-Key Fully Furnished & Equipped Apartments

Our apartments & suites are fully furnished and offer all the conveniences needed for a temporary stay in Manhattan, including utilities (Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, heat & water), linens, towels, air conditioning, and kitchenware.

To ensure the highest level of quality and consistency, we kindly request that guests refrain from moving, rearranging, or adding any furniture, artwork, or additional items. Our curated furnishings and decor are intended to enhance your experience and preserve the integrity of our accommodations.

2. Booking Options & Minimum Stay Requirements

We offer two ways to secure your booking:

Airbnb (30-night minimum)

• If your stay is shorter than 90 days, we kindly ask that you book through airbnb. 
• Airbnb is our preferred platform for short-term rentals due to the complexities of managing shorter stays off-platform. These include credit card processing, high security deposit requirements, and the challenges of independently verifying identity, references, and creditworthiness. Airbnb offers a secure and streamlined booking process that protects both guests and hosts.
• For International Guests Traveling from outside the United States: Please book your stay through Airbnb.

Direct Booking (90-night minimum)

• A minimum stay of 90 nights is required for all reservations made directly with us.
• During high-demand periods or when booking far in advance, a 180-night minimum may apply.
• Direct bookings require completion of our guest information form, supporting documentation, payment of a security deposit and payment via wire transfer.

Reservation Timing
With the exception of last-minute requests, we are unable to accommodate non-consecutive or widely spaced dates that create gaps between reservations. Bookings must be back-to-back. Our calendar is updated regularly (though not in real time). If a suitable window opens, please reach out and we’ll confirm availability.

3. Booking & Inquiry Policies

• Apartment Tours: Given the constraints of our small team, we aren’t able to offer tours, even when a unit is temporarily unoccupied. This is a long-standing policy and it applies consistently across all of our listings. This policy is also in place to protect the privacy and comfort of our existing guests and to  maintain the security of our operations. We provide detailed photos and descriptions, and are happy to answer any specific questions via email.
• Walk-In Appointments: Not available. All inquiries must be handled via email.
• Telephone Calls: Not offered. Email ensures accurate, documented responses.

4. Occupancy

Our pricing is designed with solo travelers in mind, who make up the majority of our guests. The standard rate is based on single occupancy, providing individuals with a private and more affordable experience.  To maintain this preferential rate, we apply a supplemental fee for additional guests. This à la carte structure allows solo travelers to enjoy lower base rates while still offering the flexibility to host family or friends when needed. 

5. Airbnb Bookings

• Review Our Listings: Please explore our Airbnb listings to confirm amenities, house rules, and policies.
• What’s Included: All mandatory fees and lodging taxes are itemized and included in the Airbnb price. The only supplementary fee is air conditioning (TBD).
• Air Conditioning:
  • Installed June–October (TBD).
  • Guests may request removal at the end of September; however, if removal is chosen, reinstallation after check-in is subject to a labor fee ($50 for one unit or $100 for three units).
  • Fees are billed separately via Airbnb’s Resolution Center and must be paid in advance.
• Guest Reviews: We prioritize guests with a strong Airbnb history (positive reviews and no negative feedback). Profiles are reviewed as part of our vetting process.

6. Direct Bookings

Application & Documentation – The process for booking one of our apartments is not unlike the process for securing a year-round rental. 

• Preliminary guest information form/application from required.
• Refundable damage deposit equal to one month’s rent.
• Wire transfer payment only (no credit cards or checks).
• Income and/or asset verification (typically 3× rent).
• Credit report (dated within 30 days, FICO 800+ preferred).
• Government-issued photo ID required.

Guest Questionnaire & Acknowledgment

To begin the booking process, we ask all prospective guests to share a few details and review key policies and fees before confirming a booking.  Please copy/paste this form, fill it in, and return it via email. Use your initials or a ✓ as requested.

Guest Information

1. What brings you to NYC?
2. Where are you traveling from?
3. What is your line of work?
4. Will you be working during your stay? (Please ✓ one)
    ___ Yes, remotely  ___ Yes, commuting  ___ No

House & Occupancy Policies

Please initial each statement below:

• ______ I acknowledge and agree to the No-Pets and No-Smoking policy.
• ______ I understand and will comply with NYC’s recycling rules (host provides instructions).

Occupancy (✓ or initials):

• ______ Single occupancy  ______ Double occupancy
• ______ I will not host visitors
• ______ I may host visitors (with pre-approval)
• ______ Only registered guests may stay in the apartment
• ______ All visitors must be pre-approved by the host
• ______ Overnight guests require registration and incur additional fees

Conditional Fees

Please initial to acknowledge each item:

• ______ I understand that the following fees apply if selected:

A/C Service (June–October only)
 • $7.50-$12/day + tax — fixed, non-negotiable rate

Hosting Temporary Overnight Guests
 • $185 for the first night + $85/night for each additional night (plus tax)
 • Must be paid in advance

Apartment Features & Accessibility

Please initial each statement:

• ______ I acknowledge the apartments are in a walk-up building (no elevator).
• ______ I am responsible for carrying my own belongings upstairs.
• ______ There is no intercom or buzzer system.
• ______ There is no in-house laundry.
• ______ The home was built in 1871, so there are signs of wear and tear.

Final Confirmation

Please initial each statement:

• ______ I have read and reviewed the full listing, house rules, additional rules, and all details specific to the apartment.
• ______ I understand that bookings must be made by the person staying in the apartment; third-party bookings are not permitted.
• ______ I agree to submit a government-issued photo ID upon booking confirmation, as required by the host for security and verification purposes.
• ______ I will not use the apartment for meetings, photo shoots, content creation, or any commercial activity.

Additional Direct Booking Policies

• Cancellations are non-refundable.
• Courtesy holds cannot be accommodated.
• Cleaning/linen service provided for longer stays (fee based).

7. House Rules & Property Notes

• Pets: Not permitted.
• Smoking: Prohibited throughout the property, including terraces and 25 feet from the building (includes e-cigarettes).
• Self-Catering: Starter supplies provided; guests replenish as needed.
• Walk-Up Building: 5-story townhouse with no elevator. Guests must carry own belongings upstairs.
• Check-In: 4 p.m. (early luggage drop-off available after 12 noon).
• Departure: 11 a.m. (luggage may be left in entry foyer).
• Parties & Events: Not permitted.
• Miscellaneous: No candles or open flames; fireplaces are decorative only.

Security & Privacy

• Security cameras are located in building common areas and the exterior.
• No cameras inside apartments; guest privacy is fully respected.
• By reserving, guests acknowledge and consent to security cameras in public areas.

8. Rates & Fees

Half-Floor Suites (Studios/1-Room): From $135/night + fees + tax
Full-Floor Suites (4-Room): From $170/night + fees + tax

Pricing Details:

• Rate based on single occupancy (maximum 2 occupants)
• Additional charge for a second occupant
• In addition to the base rate, a bundled utility fee applies, which includes heat, hot/cold water, gas, electricity, and Wi-Fi.
• Also included: bedding, towels, and a monthly cleaning with linen service.
• Air conditioning is available for a supplemental fee (available June-October). TBD. 

9. Taxes

The following taxes are required by New York State and New York City and must be paid upfront for all stays under the specified durations.

First 89 Consecutive Days

• NY State & Local Sales Tax: 8.875%
• NYC Hotel Unit Fee: $1.50/night

First 179 Consecutive Days

• NYC Hotel Room Occupancy Tax: 5.875%
• NYC Room Occupancy Fee: $2/room per night

Important Notes on Exemptions & Credits

• To qualify for a tax exemption, the stay must be consecutive (no breaks or gaps).
• Guests are required to pay the applicable taxes at the time of booking, even if their reservation is 90 or 180 days.
• Once a guest has completed 90 consecutive days, they will receive a credit for the 8.875% sales tax and $1.50/night fee they already paid.
• Once a guest has completed 180 consecutive days, they will also receive a credit for the 5.875% occupancy tax and $2/room/night fee they already paid.
• In both cases, all qualifying tax monies are credited back only after the guest has fully completed the required stay length.