Hawaii 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 HRS §521-44, 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 cleaning costs to restore the unit to the same level of cleanliness as at move-in.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to HRS §521-44(c), the landlord shall return the deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions within 14 days after the termination of the rental agreement and the tenant's surrender of the premises. The statement must itemize each amount withheld and the reasons for withholding.

Disputes

If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 14 days, the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit. The tenant may bring a civil action to recover the full deposit amount, and the court may award the tenant the wrongfully withheld amount, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.

3. Owner and Property Manager Information

Pursuant to HRS §521-43, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on the landlord's behalf shall disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy:

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

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 Detectors

All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with operable smoke detectors installed in compliance with Hawaii law and the Hawaii State Fire Code. Smoke detectors are installed 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.

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 (Tropical Climate Advisory)

Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Due to Hawaii's tropical climate with consistently high humidity levels, mold prevention requires particular vigilance.

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 Hawaii law.

Tenant Responsibilities to Prevent Mold

1. Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly to promote cross-ventilation, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure air circulation. In Hawaii's humid climate, ventilation is especially critical.
2. Control moisture: Wipe up spills and leaks immediately, do not let water accumulate, and report any leaks or water damage to Month2Month immediately. Use dehumidifiers if available.
3. Use air conditioning: Running air conditioning helps reduce indoor humidity and inhibits mold growth. Avoid turning off AC for extended periods in humid conditions.
4. Clean regularly: Regular cleaning prevents mold from establishing itself. Pay special attention to bathrooms, kitchens, closets, and areas behind furniture against exterior walls.
5. Report problems immediately: If you see mold, smell musty odors, or notice water damage, report it to Month2Month right away.
6. Do not block vents: Keep air vents, louvers, and jalousie windows unobstructed to promote airflow.
7. Manage condensation: Wipe down windows and surfaces where condensation collects, especially during rainy season.

Failure to maintain adequate ventilation and moisture control in Hawaii's tropical climate may contribute to mold growth. Mold resulting from tenant neglect of these responsibilities may be considered tenant-caused damage.

6. Bed Bug Disclosure

While Hawaii does not have a specific bed bug disclosure statute, landlords are required under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code to maintain the premises in a habitable condition, which includes addressing pest infestations including bed bugs.

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. This is particularly important in Hawaii given the high volume of tourism.
• 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

Right to Terminate Lease Early

Pursuant to HRS §521-80, a tenant who is a victim of 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 temporary restraining order or protective order
• A copy of a police report documenting the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
• A written certification from a domestic violence victim service provider or sexual assault victim service provider

The tenancy shall terminate 14 days after the landlord receives the written notice and documentation, or on a later date specified in the notice.

Right to Request Lock Changes

Pursuant to HRS §521-81, a tenant who is a victim may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. The landlord shall change the locks within three business days of receiving the request with qualifying documentation. If the landlord fails to change the locks within three business days, the tenant may change the locks and is not required to provide the landlord with a key if there is a court order prohibiting the perpetrator from entering the premises.

Protection from Eviction

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.

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)
• Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (808) 832-9316
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: www.legalaidhawaii.org · (808) 536-4302
• Domestic Violence Action Center (Oahu): (808) 531-3771

8. Hurricane Preparedness

All residents of Hawaii should be prepared for severe weather events including hurricanes, tropical storms, flash floods, and tsunami.

Tenant Preparedness

• Emergency supplies: Maintain a supply of water (one gallon per person per day for at least 14 days), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Know your evacuation zone: Determine whether your property is in a hurricane evacuation zone and identify the nearest public shelter. Visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense or your county's civil defense website.
• Protect property: When a hurricane watch or warning is issued, secure outdoor furniture and loose objects, close and secure all windows and doors, and follow local emergency instructions.
• Stay informed: Sign up for Hawaii Emergency Management Agency alerts and monitor local media during severe weather events.
• Renter's insurance: Standard renter's insurance may not cover hurricane or flood damage. Review your policy and consider supplemental coverage.

After a Storm

• Do not return to the property until local authorities indicate it is safe.
• Report any damage to Month2Month as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Document damage with photographs before making temporary repairs.
• Beware of downed power lines, standing water, and structural damage.

Month2Month maintains appropriate insurance coverage on all properties. However, the property owner's insurance does not cover tenant personal property. You are strongly encouraged to obtain renter's insurance to protect your belongings.

9. Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

Hawaii's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (HRS Chapter 521) establishes the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants in residential rental properties.

Landlord Obligations

Pursuant to HRS §521-42, the landlord shall:

• Comply with all applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety
• Make all repairs and do whatever is reasonably necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition
• Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition
• Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord
• Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for the removal of garbage and waste, and arrange for their removal
• Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and air conditioning or cooling where provided
• Provide smoke detectors and maintain them in working order

Tenant Obligations

Pursuant to HRS §521-51, the tenant shall:

• Comply with all applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety
• Keep the part of the premises that the tenant occupies and uses as clean and safe as the conditions of the premises permit
• Dispose of all garbage and waste in a clean and safe manner
• Keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit as clean as their condition permits
• Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner
• Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises
• Conduct oneself in a manner that will not disturb other tenants' peaceful enjoyment

Tenant Remedies

If the landlord fails to comply with HRS §521-42, the tenant may, after providing written notice and allowing a reasonable time to cure, pursue remedies including:

• Terminating the rental agreement and recovering any prepaid rent and security deposit
• Pursuing civil action for damages, including actual damages and injunctive relief
• Recovering reasonable attorney's fees and court costs

10. 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.

11. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights Under Hawaii Law

1. Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must be maintained in a fit and habitable condition, including compliance with building and housing codes, plumbing, cooling/ventilation, electricity, and freedom from vermin. (HRS §521-42)
2. Privacy: Your landlord must give at least two days' notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter during reasonable hours for specific lawful purposes. (HRS §521-53)
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 14 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. The deposit may not exceed one month's rent. (HRS §521-44)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, marital status, age, HIV status, or sexual orientation. (HRS §515-3)
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints with government agencies or organizing a tenant organization. (HRS §521-74)
6. Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for conditions that affect health and safety, and your landlord must respond within a reasonable time. (HRS §521-42)
7. 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. (HRS §521-63)
8. Domestic Violence Protections: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking have the right to terminate their lease early and request lock changes. (HRS §§521-80, 521-81)

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

• Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: www.legalaidhawaii.org · (808) 536-4302
• Hawaii Civil Rights Commission: labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc
• Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection: cca.hawaii.gov/ocp
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777