Alabama Mandatory Rental Disclosures

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

If this property was built before 1978, the following applies:

• Month2Month will disclose any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the property prior to lease execution.
• Month2Month will provide all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint in the property.
• The tenant will receive a copy of the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."

For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or www.epa.gov/lead.

2. Security Deposit

Deposit Limits

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-201, a landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit in excess of the equivalent of one month's periodic rent. This cap applies regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.

Permitted Uses

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-201, your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damages to the premises beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant; unpaid utility charges owed by the tenant; and other charges owed under the rental agreement.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-201(b), within 60 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession, Month2Month will return the security deposit or provide an itemized written statement of deductions. The statement will include the specific reasons for any deductions and the amount of each deduction. The balance, if any, will be delivered to the tenant.

Forwarding Address

You must provide Month2Month with a forwarding address in writing upon vacating the premises. If you fail to provide a forwarding address, Month2Month will mail the deposit or statement to your last known address.

Wrongful Withholding

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-201(c), if Month2Month fails to comply with the deposit return requirements, the tenant may recover the full security deposit and reasonable attorney fees. If a court finds that the landlord's retention was wrongful, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

3. Owner and Property Manager Information

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-202, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on behalf of the landlord shall disclose to the tenant in writing the name and address of:

• The person authorized to manage the premises
• The owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving notices and demands

Your lease agreement contains the specific owner information, property manager contact information, emergency maintenance contact, and the person authorized to receive service of process for your property. Month2Month serves as the property manager for all properties in our portfolio.

General Contact: [email protected]

4. Smoke Detectors

All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with operable smoke detectors installed in compliance with Alabama law and the Alabama Fire Prevention Code. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling.

Landlord Obligations

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-204, the landlord shall install smoke detectors in compliance with applicable building codes and maintain them in operable condition at the beginning of each tenancy.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke detector. This is a violation of Alabama law.
• Test all devices monthly by pressing the test button.
• Report immediately if any device is chirping, not functioning, or missing.
• Replace batteries as needed and notify the landlord if the device requires repair or replacement beyond a battery change.

Pursuant to AL Code §35-9A-204(b), the tenant is responsible for maintaining the smoke detector by replacing batteries as needed and notifying the landlord of any malfunction.

5. Mold Disclosure

Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. While Alabama does not have a specific mold disclosure statute, landlords have a general duty under AL Code §35-9A-204 to maintain rental properties in a fit and habitable condition and to comply with applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety.

Month2Month is not aware of any mold in the rental property that poses a health threat at the time of your lease. If mold is discovered during your tenancy, Month2Month will take appropriate remediation action.

Tenant Responsibilities to Prevent Mold

1. Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure air circulation.
2. Control moisture: Wipe up spills and leaks immediately, do not let water accumulate, and report any leaks or water damage to Month2Month immediately.
3. Use heating and air conditioning: Maintain reasonable temperatures and use climate control systems to reduce humidity. Alabama's humid climate makes ventilation and moisture control particularly important.
4. Clean regularly: Regular cleaning prevents mold from establishing itself.
5. Report problems immediately: If you see mold, smell musty odors, or notice water damage, report it to Month2Month right away.

6. Bed Bug Disclosure

While Alabama does not have a specific bed bug disclosure statute, landlords have a general duty under AL Code §35-9A-204 to maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition, which includes addressing pest infestations.

Identification

Bed bugs have six legs and flat bodies about 1/4 inch long, ranging from red-brown to copper colored. They do not fly but move quickly over surfaces. They hide in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture crevices, baseboards, and wall cracks. They feed on human blood at night.

Signs of Infestation

Look for small blood stains on sheets, dark spots (excrement) on mattresses or walls, shed skins, and a sweet musty odor. Bites may appear as red, itchy welts in a line or cluster, though some people do not react.

Prevention

• Inspect your mattress, box spring, and bed frame regularly.
• When traveling, inspect hotel rooms and luggage before returning home.
• Do not bring used mattresses or upholstered furniture into the home without thorough inspection.
• Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.

Month2Month has no knowledge of any bed bug infestation in your specific rental unit. If Month2Month becomes aware of bed bug infestation during your tenancy, you will be notified immediately and professional treatment will be arranged.

7. Domestic Violence Protections

Protective Orders

Pursuant to AL Code §30-5-7, a court may issue a protection from abuse order that grants the victim exclusive possession of the shared residence. A protective order may also prohibit the abuser from entering or remaining at the residence.

Right to Request Lock Changes

A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence and has obtained a protective order may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will change the locks promptly upon receiving a written request accompanied by a copy of the protective order.

Early Lease Termination

While Alabama does not have a specific statute allowing domestic violence victims to terminate a lease early, Month2Month will work with tenants who are victims of domestic violence on a case-by-case basis to facilitate early lease termination with appropriate documentation (protective order, police report, or documentation from a domestic violence services provider).

Resources

• Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-650-6522
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Legal Services Alabama: www.legalservicesalabama.org or 1-866-456-4995

8. Furnished Property Disclosure

All Month2Month rental properties are provided fully furnished. All furniture, appliances, fixtures, and household items in the property are the property of Month2Month or the property owner and are provided for your use during the term of your lease.

Your Responsibilities

• Maintain all furnished items in the same condition as received, allowing for ordinary wear and tear.
• Use all items for their intended purpose only.
• Do not remove any furnished items from the property.
• Report any damage to furnished items within 48 hours of discovery.
• Do not repair or replace items yourself without prior written approval.

Damage vs. Normal Wear and Tear

Replacement Responsibility

• Tenant-caused damage: Tenant is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement (at depreciated value) of items damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Costs may be deducted from the security deposit.
• Missing items: Tenant is responsible for full replacement cost.
• Normal wear items: Month2Month replaces items that reach end-of-life through normal use.
• Appliance malfunction: If an appliance fails due to normal use or age, Month2Month is responsible for repair or replacement.

Cleaning Standards

The property must be returned in the same level of cleanliness as at move-in. Maintain the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, furniture, and linens in clean condition throughout your tenancy. If professional cleaning is required beyond what is attributable to normal wear and tear, cleaning costs may be deducted from the security deposit.

Inventory

A detailed furniture and household inventory checklist will be provided at move-in. Month2Month will document the condition of all items through photography. You will receive a copy of the move-in condition report.

9. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights

1. Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must meet basic health and safety standards, including compliance with applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety, working plumbing, heating, hot water, and electrical systems. (AL Code §35-9A-204)
2. Privacy: Your landlord must give at least two days' notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter at reasonable times. (AL Code §35-9A-303)
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 60 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. The deposit may not exceed one month's rent. (AL Code §35-9A-201)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. (Federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §3601 et seq.)
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, complaining to a government agency about code violations, or organizing or joining a tenant organization. (AL Code §35-9A-501)
6. Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues. If the landlord fails to make essential repairs within 14 days of written notice, you may pursue remedies including rent reduction or lease termination. (AL Code §35-9A-401)
7. Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing doors or windows. (AL Code §35-9A-407)
8. Essential Services: The landlord may not deliberately or negligently interrupt or cause the interruption of essential services including heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential services. (AL Code §35-9A-407)

Your Responsibilities

1. Pay rent in full and on time.
2. Keep the unit clean and sanitary. (AL Code §35-9A-301(1))
3. Dispose of all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner. (AL Code §35-9A-301(2))
4. Keep all plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits. (AL Code §35-9A-301(3))
5. Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in a reasonable manner. (AL Code §35-9A-301(4))
6. Avoid damaging the property beyond normal wear and tear.
7. Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
8. Allow reasonable access for repairs and inspections with proper notice.
9. Comply with all lease terms including occupancy limits, pet policies, and use restrictions.
10. Avoid creating nuisances or disturbing other residents.
11. Provide proper notice before moving out and return the property in clean condition.

Resources

• Alabama Attorney General — Consumer Protection: www.alabamaag.gov or 1-800-392-5658
• Legal Services Alabama: www.legalservicesalabama.org or 1-866-456-4995
• Alabama State Bar — Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-392-5660
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233