District of Columbia Mandatory Rental Disclosures

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

If this property was built before 1978, the following applies under both federal and DC law:

• 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."

DC-Specific Lead Requirements

Pursuant to DC Code §8-231.01 et seq. (the Lead-Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act of 2008), the District imposes additional obligations beyond federal law:

• Property owners must provide a clearance report for properties built before 1978 when a child under age 6 resides in or regularly visits the unit.
• All renovation, repair, or painting work that disturbs lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing must be performed by lead-safe certified workers.
• Landlords must disclose the results of any lead risk assessments or inspections.
• Properties with identified lead-based paint hazards must be abated or interim-controlled.

For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or www.epa.gov/lead. DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Lead and Healthy Housing Division: doee.dc.gov/lead.

2. Security Deposit

Deposit Limits

Pursuant to DC Code §42-3502.17, the security deposit for any residential rental may not exceed one month's rent. This limitation applies regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.

Permitted Uses

Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; costs to repair damages to the premises caused by the tenant beyond ordinary wear and tear; and other amounts owed under the rental agreement. The deposit may not be used for normal wear and tear.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to DC Code §42-3502.17(c), the landlord shall return the deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the rental unit. The statement must itemize each amount withheld and the reasons for withholding.

Interest on Deposits

DC law requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits at the prevailing passbook savings rate. Interest shall be paid to the tenant annually or upon termination of the tenancy, whichever occurs first.

Disputes

If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 45 days, the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit. The tenant may bring a civil action to recover the deposit, and the court may award the tenant treble damages if the landlord acted in bad faith.

3. Owner and Property Manager Information

District of Columbia law requires the landlord to disclose to the tenant in writing:

• The name and address of the owner of the property
• The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and receive service of process and notices
• The registration number of the rental property with the DC Rental Accommodations Division (RAD)

All residential rental properties in the District of Columbia must be registered with the Rental Accommodations Division of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Your lease agreement contains the specific owner information, property manager contact information, registration number, 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 DC law and the DC Fire Prevention Code. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide 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.
• 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. While DC does not have a specific mold disclosure statute, landlords must maintain premises in compliance with the DC Housing Code, which includes addressing conditions that affect habitability such as mold, water intrusion, and excess moisture.

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 DC law.

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.
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.

DC's humid summer climate increases mold risk, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and areas with poor ventilation. Prompt reporting of leaks and moisture issues is essential.

6. Bed Bug Disclosure

The District of Columbia has specific bed bug legislation. Pursuant to DC Code §8-241.01 et seq., landlords have specific obligations regarding bed bug prevention, disclosure, and treatment.

Landlord Obligations Under DC Law

• The landlord must provide tenants with educational materials about bed bug identification, prevention, and treatment prepared by the DC Department of Health.
• The landlord must disclose any known bed bug infestations in the rental unit or building within the past year.
• The landlord must arrange for professional pest control treatment when bed bugs are confirmed.
• The landlord may not rent a unit known to have an active bed bug infestation.

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 within the past year. If Month2Month becomes aware of bed bug infestation during your tenancy, you will be notified immediately and professional treatment will be arranged at the landlord's expense.

7. Rent Control

The DC Rental Housing Act of 1985 governs rent increases for covered rental units. Whether a specific property is subject to rent stabilization depends on several factors.

Covered Units

Most residential rental units in DC built before 1976 are covered by rent stabilization. Your lease agreement will specify whether your unit is subject to or exempt from rent stabilization.

Exemptions

The following types of units may be exempt from rent stabilization:

• Units built after 1975
• Federally or DC-government-subsidized units
• Units owned by an owner who owns four or fewer rental units in the District (small landlord exemption), subject to specific requirements
• Units subject to a building improvement plan approved by the Rent Administrator

Rent Increase Limitations (If Subject to Rent Stabilization)

For covered units, rent increases are limited as follows:

• Annual adjustment: The landlord may increase rent once per year by the amount of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase, but not more than the CPI increase.
• Elderly/disabled tenants: Rent increases for tenants who are elderly (age 62+) or disabled are further limited to the lesser of the CPI increase or 5%.
• Vacancy increase: Upon vacancy, the landlord may increase rent by up to 10% (or to the comparable market rate if certain conditions are met).
• Petition-based increases: The landlord may petition the Rent Administrator for increases beyond the CPI adjustment for capital improvements, hardship, services and facilities, or substantial rehabilitation.

Rent Ceiling

Each covered unit has a registered "rent ceiling" — the maximum lawful rent that can be charged. The rent ceiling is filed with the Rental Accommodations Division. The tenant has the right to request the rent ceiling and rent history for the unit.

8. Just Cause Eviction

Pursuant to DC Code §42-3505.01, a landlord may not evict a tenant except for one of the following "just causes":

Tenant-Based Just Causes:

• Nonpayment of rent
• Violation of a lease obligation that the tenant fails to correct after receiving notice
• Performance of an illegal act within the rental unit
• The tenant is creating a nuisance that is causing substantial interference with the comfort, safety, or enjoyment of others
• The tenant has violated an obligation of tenancy and has failed to cure after written notice

Landlord-Based Just Causes (No-Fault):

• The landlord seeks to occupy the unit as the landlord's personal residence (owner move-in), subject to strict conditions
• The landlord has contracted to sell the unit and the buyer intends to occupy it as a personal residence
• The landlord seeks to renovate or substantially rehabilitate the unit, and the renovation cannot be safely performed while the unit is occupied
• The landlord seeks to demolish the unit
• The landlord seeks to discontinue the use of the property as a rental unit (subject to requirements of the DC Conversion and Sale Act)

Relocation Assistance

If a tenant is displaced due to a no-fault eviction, the landlord must provide relocation assistance as determined by DC regulations, which may include moving expenses and several months of rent differential.

Right to Return

Tenants displaced by renovation or rehabilitation have the right to return to the unit at the prior rent, adjusted only by the CPI, once the work is complete.

9. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA)

Pursuant to the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), before an owner can sell a residential rental property in the District of Columbia, the owner must:

1. Provide written notice: The owner must provide the tenant(s) with a written offer of sale, including the asking price and material terms.
2. Allow time to organize: Tenants have the right to organize a tenant association to collectively exercise their TOPA rights.
3. Allow time to negotiate: Tenants have a specified period (varying by the number of units) to negotiate the terms of purchase.
4. Allow time to secure financing: If the tenants express interest, they have additional time to secure financing and complete the purchase.
5. Right of first refusal: If the tenants do not exercise their purchase rights, the owner may sell to a third party, but only on terms no more favorable than those offered to the tenants.

Timeline for Single-Unit Properties

• Tenant receives written offer of sale
• Tenant has 30 days to provide a written statement of interest
• If interest is expressed, tenant has 120 days to negotiate a contract of sale
• If a contract is reached, tenant has additional time to secure financing

TOPA rights are significant and complex. If you receive a notice of sale from your landlord, Month2Month strongly recommends that you consult with an attorney or contact the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate for guidance.

10. Domestic Violence Protections

Right to Terminate Lease Early

Pursuant to DC Code §42-3505.07, a tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (domestic violence), sexual assault, or stalking may terminate a rental agreement by providing the landlord with written notice, accompanied by one of the following:

• A copy of a civil protection order or temporary protection order
• A copy of a police report documenting the intrafamily offense, sexual assault, or stalking

Right to Request Lock Changes

A tenant who is a victim may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will change the locks within a reasonable time of receiving a written request accompanied by qualifying documentation.

Protection from Eviction and Discrimination

A landlord may not terminate a tenancy, refuse to renew a rental agreement, or retaliate against a tenant based on the tenant's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. An incident of domestic violence committed against a tenant is not grounds for eviction of the victim.

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)
• DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence: dccadv.org · (202) 299-1181
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• DC Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants: ovsjg.dc.gov
• Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia: www.legalaiddc.org · (202) 628-1161

11. Housing Code Compliance

All rental properties in the District of Columbia must comply with the DC Housing Code (14 DCMR), which establishes minimum standards for residential properties. The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and the Department of Buildings enforce housing code compliance.

Key Housing Code Standards

• Structure and maintenance: The building must be structurally sound, weathertight, and maintained in good repair.
• Plumbing: All plumbing must be in good working order with hot and cold running water.
• Heating: The property must have a heating system capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 68°F during the heating season (October 1 through May 1).
• Electrical: All electrical systems must be safe and in good working order.
• Pest control: The property must be free of rodent and insect infestation.
• Smoke and CO detectors: Must be installed and maintained in working order.
• Lead paint: Properties built before 1978 must comply with lead paint regulations.

Tenant Right to Report Violations

If you believe your rental unit has housing code violations, you have the right to file a complaint with the DC Department of Buildings (DOB). An inspector will be assigned to investigate the complaint. Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for filing a housing code complaint.

To file a complaint: Call 311 or visit 311.dc.gov.

Rent Withholding

Under DC law, a tenant may be entitled to withhold rent if the rental unit has substantial housing code violations that the landlord has failed to correct after receiving notice. Before withholding rent, consult with an attorney or the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate.

12. 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.

13. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights Under DC Law

1. Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must comply with the DC Housing Code and be maintained in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition, including proper heating (68°F minimum during heating season), plumbing, electricity, and freedom from pests. (14 DCMR §800 et seq.)
2. Privacy: Your landlord must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter during reasonable hours for specific lawful purposes. (DC Code §42-3505.51)
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 45 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. The deposit may not exceed one month's rent, and interest must be paid on the deposit. (DC Code §42-3502.17)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, source of income, place of residence, or status as a victim of domestic violence. (DC Human Rights Act, DC Code §2-1402.21)
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints with government agencies, joining a tenant organization, or testifying in court. (DC Code §42-3505.02)
6. Rent Stabilization: If your unit is covered by rent stabilization, your rent cannot be increased beyond the limits set by the Rental Housing Act. (DC Code §42-3502.06)
7. Just Cause Eviction: Your landlord may only evict you for specific just causes defined by law. (DC Code §42-3505.01)
8. TOPA Rights: You have the right of first refusal to purchase your rental unit if the owner decides to sell. (DC Code §42-3404.01)
9. Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities. (DC Code §42-3505.01)
10. Tenant Advocate: DC has a dedicated Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) that provides free assistance to tenants. (DC Code §42-3531.01)

Your Responsibilities

1. Pay rent in full and on time.
2. Keep the unit clean and sanitary.
3. Avoid damaging the property beyond normal wear and tear.
4. Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
5. Allow reasonable access for repairs and inspections with proper notice.
6. Comply with all lease terms including occupancy limits, pet policies, and use restrictions.
7. Avoid creating nuisances or disturbing other residents.
8. Provide proper notice before moving out and return the property in clean condition.

Resources

• DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA): ota.dc.gov · (202) 719-6560
• DC Rental Accommodations Division (RAD): dhcd.dc.gov · (202) 442-9505
• Legal Aid Society of DC: www.legalaiddc.org · (202) 628-1161
• DC Office of Human Rights: ohr.dc.gov · (202) 727-4559
• DC Department of Buildings (housing complaints): 311 or 311.dc.gov
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777