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
Idaho law does not impose a statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit. The deposit amount for your property is specified in your lease agreement.
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; costs to clean the premises to return it to the same level of cleanliness as at move-in; and other amounts owed under the rental agreement.
Return of Deposit
Pursuant to Idaho Code §6-321, the landlord shall return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 days after surrender of the premises, or within 30 days if the lease agreement specifies a 30-day period. Month2Month will return your deposit or provide a written itemized statement within the timeframe specified in your lease agreement.
Disputes
If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within the required timeframe, the tenant may bring a civil action. Pursuant to Idaho Code §6-321, a landlord who fails to comply may be liable for up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Idaho law requires the landlord to disclose in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises, and the owner or 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 Idaho law. Pursuant to Idaho Code §39-2902, smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling including basements.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke detector. Removal or disabling of a smoke detector is a misdemeanor under Idaho 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.
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. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in properties with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages as required by the Idaho Building Code.
5. Mold Disclosure
Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. While Idaho does not have a specific mold disclosure statute, landlords must maintain premises in a habitable condition, which includes addressing mold conditions that affect habitability.
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, 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.
Idaho's generally dry climate reduces but does not eliminate 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
While Idaho does not have a specific bed bug disclosure statute, landlords are required 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.
- 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. Methamphetamine Contamination Disclosure
Pursuant to Idaho Code §6-2608, the owner of a property that has been used as a clandestine drug laboratory or that has been contaminated by the manufacture of controlled substances must disclose this fact to any prospective renter or buyer. The property may not be inhabited until it has been assessed and decontaminated to meet the standards established by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
A certificate of decontamination from an authorized assessor must be obtained before the property can be re-occupied. The disclosure must include the contamination history, the level of contamination found, and the decontamination measures taken.
Month2Month certifies that, to its knowledge, no property in its portfolio has been used for the illegal manufacture of controlled substances or is currently contaminated. If applicable to a specific property, this disclosure will be provided separately prior to lease execution.
8. Domestic Violence Protections
Federal Protections (VAWA)
Under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking have protections including:
- The right not to be denied housing or evicted solely because of their status as a victim
- The right to request an emergency transfer if the tenant reasonably believes there is a threat of imminent harm
- The right to terminate a lease early without penalty when the tenant is a victim and provides appropriate documentation
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 a copy of a protection order or police report. If Month2Month is unable to change the locks promptly, the tenant may change the locks and must provide a copy of the new key to Month2Month.
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)
- Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance: icdv.idaho.gov
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Idaho Legal Aid Services: www.idaholegalaid.org · 1-866-345-0106
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 Under Idaho Law
- Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must be maintained in a condition fit for human habitation, including weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electricity, and freedom from vermin. (ID Code §6-320)
- Privacy: Your landlord generally must provide reasonable notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies). Idaho does not prescribe a specific notice period by statute, but industry standard is 24 hours.
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 21 days (or 30 days if the lease so provides) after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (ID Code §6-321)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability under federal and Idaho law. (Idaho Human Rights Act, ID Code §67-5909)
- Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints with government agencies. (ID Code §6-320)
- Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for conditions that affect health and safety. If the landlord fails to make repairs after reasonable notice, you may pursue remedies under Idaho Code §6-320.
- Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures to evict you and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities. (ID Code §6-303)
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
- Idaho Legal Aid Services: www.idaholegalaid.org · 1-866-345-0106
- Idaho Human Rights Commission: humanrights.idaho.gov
- Idaho Attorney General Consumer Protection: www.ag.idaho.gov
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777