Frequently Asked Questions
Hall Rental — American Legion Post #1 · 399 Broad Ave, Leonia, NJ 07605 · www.leonialegion.com
Booking & Pricing
How much does it cost to rent the hall?
$900 rental fee, plus a $450 refundable security deposit (subject to the terms below). The deposit is due upon reservation to hold your date.
What's included in the $900 rental fee?
Full use of the venue for your rental day. Tables and chairs are included at no extra charge if you're doing a DIY setup — that is, you and your group set up the tables and chairs yourselves.
What if I want the Legion to set up the tables and chairs for me?
That's available as an optional staffed setup service for $10 per table (chairs included). Let us know how many tables you need when you book, and we'll have them set up and ready before you arrive. If you're setting up yourself (DIY), there's no charge — tables and chairs are already included in your rental.
What's the maximum capacity?
150 guests. Exceeding 150 persons in the hall at any time results in forfeiture of your security deposit.
Can I rent just one room instead of the whole venue?
We host one event per day, and that rental includes access to the entire facility — both the Washington and Lincoln rooms. We don't offer a separate single-room-only rental.
When is the rental balance due?
The $450 security deposit is due upon reservation. The remaining rental fee balance is due within 30 days of your event date, unless otherwise specified with the rental agent.
Cancellations
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
• Cancel within 60 days of your event: $200 penalty (deducted from your $450 deposit).
• Cancel within 30 days of your event: $450 penalty (your full deposit is forfeited).
• No-show on the day of your event: both your deposit and your $900 rental fee are forfeited.
Event Hours & Access
What are the rental hours?
Your rental includes a 12-hour access window. Your access (start) time is set based on your chosen end time — for example, an event ending at 11:00 PM means access begins at 11:00 AM. Regardless of your scheduled end time, all activities must cease by 12:00 AM, guests must vacate by 1:00 AM, and you must finish cleaning and vacate the building by 2:00 AM, unless other arrangements are made in advance with the Legion.
When can I arrive to set up or decorate?
Access begins at the start of your 12-hour rental window (12 hours before your scheduled end time), or once cleanup from any prior event is complete, whichever is later. If you need extended or earlier access, get approval from the Legion in advance.
Setup, Tables & Chairs
Are tables and chairs provided?
Yes. If you're handling setup yourself (DIY), tables and chairs are included in your rental at no additional cost. If you'd like our staff to set them up before you arrive, that's available for $10 per table (chairs included) — see "Booking & Pricing" above.
Decorations
Can I decorate the hall?
Yes — decorations may be hung only from the approved cup hooks provided. Tape, staples, and pins are not allowed on walls, doors, or trim; using them forfeits your security deposit.
Are freestanding decor items like balloon arches, backdrops, pipe and drape, or step-and-repeats allowed?
Yes — balloon arches/backgrounds, pipe and drape, and step-and-repeats are all permissible, as long as they are not taped, tacked, or pinned to any walls, doors, or trim.
Are confetti or glitter allowed?
No, including inside balloons or other decor items. Violations incur a $300 service fee deducted from your deposit.
Can I take down or rearrange the plaques, pictures, or flag displays?
No. Removing plaques, pictures, or flag decorations forfeits your security deposit.
Entertainment & Equipment
Can I hire a DJ for my event?
Yes — DJs are permitted, as long as they follow the same rules as all other vendors and guests, including the restrictions below and the noise-level requirement (see "Noise & Guest Conduct").
Are fog, smoke, or CO2 machines allowed?
No. Smoke, fog, and CO2 machines are not permitted.
Are sparklers, pyrotechnics, or similar effects allowed?
No. Sparklers, pyrotechnics, and other firework-type or confetti-cannon effects are not permitted.
Can I bring a bounce house or other inflatable attraction?
No. Bounce houses, inflatable devices, rides, and similar attractions are not permitted.
Food, Catering, Cooking & Alcohol
Can I bring in outside catering?
Yes, outside catering is allowed.
Can I cook on-site?
Only with written approval from the Legion and the required permits from the Leonia Fire and Health Departments. Without that approval, only Sterno fuel is permitted for warming food — no gas or electric stoves. Oven use is prohibited entirely; triggering the fire suppression system results in a $500 fine plus full deposit forfeiture.
What's the policy on alcohol?
Alcohol is BYOB (bring your own) — the Legion does not sell or provide alcohol for rentals. You're responsible for complying with all federal, state, local, and NJ ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) regulations; violations result in forfeiture of your security deposit.
Grounds, Parking & Facility Access
Can we use the outdoor grounds for our event?
Grounds use is limited to loading/unloading, arrival and departure, and short breaks (e.g., smokers on the steps/porch, guests getting fresh air). General outdoor event use is not permitted without separate arrangement — case-by-case approval may be available, so ask your rental agent if you have something specific in mind.
Is the basement included in my rental?
No — the Legion reserves the right to access and use the basement during your rental period.
Will a Legion representative be on-site during my event?
The Legion may have a representative present to help ensure safety and compliance with the rental terms.
Noise & Guest Conduct
Are there noise restrictions?
Yes. Music and noise must stay at acceptable levels. Excessive noise can result in immediate termination of your event.
Who's responsible for my guests' behavior and any damage they cause?
You, the renter, are responsible for your guests' conduct and any damage they cause, and you're liable for any damage to the facility that exceeds your $450 security deposit.
Cleanup & Deposit Deductions
What do I need to do before I leave?
• Remove all garbage directly to the dumpsters provided.
• Place recycling in the bins in front of the garage; stack cardboard neatly in front of the garage.
• Leave the kitchen sink free of debris.
• Turn off the HVAC system before exiting the building.
• Return the key to the designated key box.
The following are deducted from your $450 security deposit if they occur:
• Garbage left behind (not taken to dumpster) — $50 per bag/can
• Lost key — $300
• Kitchen sink clogged / left with debris — $300 service fee
• HVAC left running — $300 penalty
• False fire alarm activation — $300 service fee
• Fire suppression system triggered — $500 fine + full deposit forfeiture
• Decoration violations (tape/staples/pins, confetti, glitter) — $300 service fee
• Broken or damaged chair — $200 each
• Broken or damaged table — $500 each
• Cooking without approval / oven use — Full deposit forfeiture
• Alcohol / ABC regulation violation — Full deposit forfeiture
• Attendance over 150 guests — Full deposit forfeiture
How and when is my deposit refunded?
Any deposit balance remaining after deducting the fees above is refunded by check within 10-14 days after your event.
Liability & Insurance
Who's liable if something goes wrong during my event?
As the renter, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless American Legion Post #1, its officers, members, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney's fees) arising from your use of the facility. You're also solely responsible for any summons or violations issued by police, fire, or health/code officials during your event.
Is the Legion responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged?
No. The Legion is not liable for personal property lost, stolen, or damaged during your rental.
Questions not answered here? Call (201) 676-0466 or email contact@leonialegion.com.
