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 AR Code §18-16-304, the security deposit may not exceed an amount equal to two (2) months' rent. The deposit amount will be specified in your lease agreement.
Permitted Uses
Pursuant to AR Code §18-16-305, the security deposit may be applied to: unpaid rent; damages to the premises caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; unpaid utilities that are the tenant's responsibility; and other charges permitted by the rental agreement.
Return of Deposit
Pursuant to AR Code §18-16-305, the landlord must return the security deposit within sixty (60) days after the termination of the tenancy and the tenant's delivery of possession. Month2Month will provide an itemized list of any deductions together with the remaining balance within that period.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Pursuant to AR Code §18-16-306, if the landlord fails to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement within sixty days, the tenant may recover the full amount of the deposit, together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Disputes
If you dispute any deduction, contact Month2Month in writing within 7 days. If the dispute cannot be resolved, you may file a claim in the appropriate Arkansas court, including small claims court for amounts within its jurisdictional limit.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Arkansas law requires that the landlord or authorized agent be identified in the lease. The landlord's name and address, or the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and to receive notices and demands on behalf of the owner, will be provided in your lease agreement.
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
Pursuant to AR Code §20-22-803, all residential rental properties in Arkansas must be equipped with operable smoke detectors. All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with smoke detectors installed in compliance with Arkansas law, including placement in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke detector.
- Test all devices monthly by pressing the test button.
- Report immediately if any device is chirping, not functioning, or missing.
- Do not remove batteries.
- Maintain the smoke detector during your tenancy, including replacing batteries as needed.
Month2Month is responsible for ensuring all smoke detectors are operable at the beginning of each tenancy. During the tenancy, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the devices, including battery replacement. If a device malfunctions or reaches end of life, contact Month2Month for replacement.
5. Mold Disclosure
Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Arkansas's warm, humid climate in the summer months makes mold prevention important. You have a right to know about mold in your rental unit and how to prevent it.
Month2Month is not aware of any mold in the rental property that exceeds permissible exposure limits or 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
- Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly when weather permits, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure air circulation.
- Control moisture: Wipe up spills and leaks immediately, do not let water accumulate, and report any leaks or water damage to Month2Month immediately.
- Use heating and air conditioning: Maintain reasonable temperatures and use climate control systems to reduce humidity.
- Clean regularly: Regular cleaning prevents mold from establishing itself.
- Report problems immediately: If you see mold, smell musty odors, or notice water damage, report it to Month2Month right away.
6. Bed Bug Disclosure
Month2Month provides information about bed bugs to all tenants as a matter of best practice and habitability.
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.
7. Domestic Violence Protections
Arkansas Protective Orders
Pursuant to AR Code §9-15-201 et seq., victims of domestic abuse may petition the court for a temporary order of protection or a final order of protection. A protective order may grant the petitioner exclusive possession of a shared residence and prohibit the abuser from entering or remaining at the residence.
Federal VAWA Protections
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), tenants in covered housing programs cannot be denied housing or evicted solely because they are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Right to Request Lock Changes
A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will comply with such requests promptly upon receipt of qualifying documentation such as a protective order or police report.
Confidentiality
Month2Month will maintain the confidentiality of any information provided by a tenant who is a victim. Documentation provided will be kept in a secure file and will not be disclosed to third parties except as required by law.
Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
- Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-269-4668
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Arkansas 211 (crisis referral): Dial 2-1-1
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
| Normal Wear and Tear (Not Chargeable) | Damage (Chargeable to Tenant) |
|---|---|
| Minor scuffs on furniture | Broken furniture legs, arms, or frames |
| Slight fading of upholstery | Stains, tears, or burns on upholstery |
| Minor mattress indentation from normal use | Mattress stains, tears, or structural damage |
| Light scratches on hard floors | Deep gouges, water damage, or burns on flooring |
| Normal appliance wear (cosmetic marks) | Appliance malfunction due to misuse or neglect |
| Gradual thinning of towels and linens | Bleach stains, tears, or missing linens |
| Normal dulling of kitchen knives | Missing, broken, or chipped dishes/cookware |
| Loose doorknobs from use | Holes in walls, broken blinds, damaged doors |
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 Under Arkansas Law
- Habitable Housing: Pursuant to AR Code §18-16-110, the landlord shall maintain the premises in compliance with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety, make all repairs necessary to keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, and keep all common areas in a clean and safe condition.
- Privacy: The landlord must provide reasonable notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter for specific lawful purposes at reasonable times.
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 60 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (AR Code §18-16-305)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status pursuant to the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3601 et seq.) and the Arkansas Civil Rights Act (AR Code §16-123-201 et seq.).
- Freedom from Retaliation: Pursuant to AR Code §18-16-112, a landlord may not retaliate against a tenant by increasing rent, decreasing services, or threatening eviction because the tenant has complained to a governmental agency or has exercised rights under the landlord-tenant act.
- Repairs and Maintenance: If the landlord fails to maintain the premises as required, the tenant may deliver written notice specifying the breach. If the landlord does not remedy the issue within fourteen (14) days, the tenant may pursue remedies available under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.
- Essential Services: If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply essential services (running water, hot water, heat, electricity, gas), the tenant may give written notice and pursue available remedies.
Your Responsibilities
- Pay rent in full and on time.
- Keep the unit clean and sanitary pursuant to AR Code §18-16-111.
- Dispose of all ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste in a clean and safe manner.
- Keep all plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits.
- Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner.
- Avoid deliberately or negligently destroying, defacing, damaging, impairing, or removing any part of the premises.
- Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
- Comply with all lease terms including occupancy limits, pet policies, and use restrictions.
- Avoid creating nuisances or disturbing other residents.
- Provide proper notice before moving out and return the property in clean condition.
Resources
- Arkansas Attorney General — Consumer Protection: www.arkansasag.gov
- Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral: www.arkbar.com
- Center for Arkansas Legal Services: www.arlegalservices.org
- Legal Aid of Arkansas: www.arlegalaid.org
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777