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."
Connecticut Lead Regulations
Connecticut law imposes additional requirements for properties built before 1978 where a child under six years of age resides. Property owners must abate lead-based paint hazards and comply with the Connecticut Department of Public Health lead poisoning prevention regulations. Connecticut requires lead abatement certificates for rental properties where lead hazards have been remediated.
For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or the Connecticut Department of Public Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (860) 509-7299.
2. Security Deposit
Deposit Limits
Pursuant to CGS §47a-21, security deposits are limited as follows:
- Tenants under age 62: Maximum of two (2) months' rent.
- Tenants age 62 or older: Maximum of one (1) month's rent.
Deposit Handling
The security deposit must be held in an escrow account at a Connecticut bank or other financial institution. The landlord must pay the tenant interest on the deposit annually at the rate established by the Banking Commissioner (or the average rate on savings deposits at commercial banks, whichever applies). The landlord must provide the tenant with notice of the name and address of the financial institution holding the deposit.
Permitted Uses
Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damage to the property caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; and costs incurred in connection with the tenant's failure to leave the premises in a condition consistent with the tenant's obligations.
Return of Deposit
Within thirty (30) days after the termination of the tenancy or within fifteen (15) days after receiving the tenant's forwarding address (whichever is later), the landlord must return the security deposit or provide an itemized written statement of deductions, together with the remaining balance and any accrued interest.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Pursuant to CGS §47a-6, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on the landlord's behalf must disclose to the tenant in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the person or persons authorized to receive notices and demands on the landlord's behalf.
Your lease agreement contains the specific owner information, property manager contact information, and emergency maintenance contact for your property. Month2Month serves as the property manager for all properties in our portfolio.
General Contact: [email protected]
4. Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with operable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with Connecticut law. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, on every level of the dwelling, and in the basement. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the dwelling and in areas near bedrooms, pursuant to Zoe's Law (CGS §29-292a).
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. This is a violation of Connecticut law.
- Test all devices monthly by pressing the test button.
- Report immediately if any device is chirping, not functioning, or missing.
- Do not remove batteries.
- If you hear the carbon monoxide alarm sound continuously, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Month2Month is responsible for ensuring all devices are operable at the beginning of each tenancy and for maintaining them throughout, including replacing batteries and units as needed.
5. Mold Disclosure
Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. 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 in accordance with Connecticut law.
Tenant Responsibilities to Prevent Mold
- Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly, 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.
Under CGS §47a-7, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for human habitation and to comply with all applicable building and housing codes. Mold that renders a unit uninhabitable must be promptly remediated by the landlord.
6. Bed Bug Disclosure
Pursuant to CGS §47a-7a, landlords are prohibited from renting a unit that the landlord knows has a bed bug infestation. Upon learning of an infestation, the landlord must arrange for a professional pest control inspection and treatment. The landlord must provide tenants with educational materials regarding bed bug identification, prevention, and treatment.
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 bed bugs are discovered, Month2Month will arrange professional pest control treatment in compliance with CGS §47a-7a.
7. Fire Sprinkler Disclosure
Pursuant to CGS §47a-3f, for any rental dwelling unit, the landlord must disclose in writing whether the building in which the unit is located has a fire sprinkler system. If the building does have a sprinkler system, the disclosure must state whether the system was operational at the time of the disclosure.
If applicable to your property, the fire sprinkler system status will be disclosed in your lease agreement.
8. Domestic Violence Protections
Right to Terminate Lease Early
Pursuant to CGS §47a-11e, a tenant who is a victim of family violence as defined in CGS §46b-38a may terminate a rental agreement by providing the landlord with written notice at least 30 days before the date of termination, together with a copy of a restraining order, protective order, or police report documenting the incident of family violence.
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. The landlord must change the locks within a reasonable time. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant may change the locks and provide the landlord with a copy of the new key.
Protection from Eviction
A landlord may not terminate a tenancy, refuse to renew, or otherwise penalize a tenant based on the tenant's status as a victim of family violence. Acts of domestic violence committed against a tenant by a third party do not constitute a lease violation by the victim.
Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
- Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-888-774-2900
- Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services: 1-888-999-5545
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
9. 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.
10. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights
- Warranty of Habitability: Your rental unit must be maintained in a condition that is fit for human habitation and in compliance with all applicable building and housing codes. (CGS §47a-7)
- Privacy: Your landlord must give reasonable notice (at least 24 hours) before entering your unit, except in emergencies, and may only enter at reasonable times for specific lawful purposes. (CGS §47a-16)
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out (or 15 days after receiving your forwarding address, whichever is later), with an itemized statement of any deductions. (CGS §47a-21)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religious creed, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, lawful source of income, familial status, or veteran status. (CGS §46a-64c)
- Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints with code enforcement agencies or organizing with other tenants. (CGS §47a-20)
- Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues. If the landlord fails to make essential repairs after notice, you may have remedies including rent escrow or repair and deduct. (CGS §47a-14h)
- Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures through the courts and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods. (CGS §47a-43)
- Quiet Enjoyment: You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your premises without interference by the landlord.
Your Responsibilities
- Pay rent in full and on time.
- Keep the unit clean and sanitary.
- Avoid damaging the property beyond normal wear and tear.
- Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs and inspections with proper notice.
- 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
- Connecticut Attorney General — Tenant Rights: portal.ct.gov/ag
- Connecticut Judicial Branch — Housing Court: jud.ct.gov
- Connecticut Legal Services: ctlegal.org
- Connecticut Fair Housing Center: ctfairhousing.org
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777