Iowa 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 Iowa Code §562A.12, the total amount of security deposits held by the landlord may not exceed two months' rent. This applies to all deposits, including pet deposits and any other prepaid amounts held as security for the tenant's obligations.

Permitted Uses

Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; restoration of the dwelling unit to its condition at the commencement of the tenancy (normal wear and tear excepted); payment of utility charges owed by the tenant; and other amounts owed by the tenant under the rental agreement.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to IA Code §562A.12(3), Month2Month must return the security deposit or deliver a written statement describing the reasons for withholding any portion within 30 days after the tenancy is terminated and the tenant has vacated the premises. If any portion is withheld, you will receive an itemized list specifying the nature and amount of each deduction.

Deposit Holding Requirements

Iowa law requires that the landlord hold all security deposits in a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union in a trust account. The landlord must notify the tenant in writing of the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held.

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 small claims court.

3. Landlord and Property Manager Information

Pursuant to Iowa Code §562A.13, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on the landlord's behalf must 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 for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and for the purpose of receiving notices and demands

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 Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Iowa law requires operable smoke detectors in every residential rental unit. Pursuant to IA Code §100.18, smoke detectors must be installed on each level of the dwelling, including the basement, and near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in dwelling units that contain a fuel-burning appliance, a fuel-burning fireplace, or an attached garage.

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 the tenancy.

5. Mold Disclosure

While Iowa does not have a specific mold disclosure statute, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a fit and habitable condition under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§562A.15). Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.

Month2Month is not aware of any mold in the rental property that 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

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.

6. Bed Bug Disclosure

Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to maintain rental premises in a condition fit for habitation, which encompasses pest-free conditions. Month2Month provides the following information to help tenants identify and prevent bed bug issues.

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. Flood Hazard Disclosure

Iowa experiences significant flood risk, particularly in river valleys and low-lying areas. If your property is located in a special flood hazard area as designated by FEMA, or has experienced flooding, this information will be disclosed in your lease agreement or property-specific addendum.

Iowa has experienced major flood events in recent years. Tenants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local flood risk by visiting FEMA's Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov and to sign up for local emergency alerts.

8. Domestic Violence Protections

Right to Terminate Lease Early

Pursuant to IA Code §562A.27A, a tenant who is a victim of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or stalking may terminate a rental agreement by providing the landlord with written notice at least 30 days before the proposed termination date, along with one of the following forms of documentation:

• A copy of a protective order issued by a court
• A copy of a police report documenting the domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or stalking
• A copy of a report or statement from a qualified third party (domestic violence counselor, sexual assault counselor, or victim advocate)

Right to Request Lock Changes

A victim tenant may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will change the locks promptly upon receiving a written request accompanied by qualifying documentation.

Protection from Discrimination

A landlord may not refuse to rent, terminate a tenancy, or retaliate against a tenant based on the tenant's status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, 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)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence: www.icadv.org · 1-800-942-0333
• Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault: www.iowacasa.org
• Iowa Victim Service Call Center: 1-800-770-1650

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

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

1. Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must meet basic health and safety standards, including weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, hot water, electricity, and freedom from vermin. The landlord must maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition. (IA Code §562A.15)
2. Privacy: Your landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter at reasonable times for lawful purposes. (IA Code §562A.19)
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (IA Code §562A.12)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, familial status, or retaliation. (IA Code Ch. 216)
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including complaining about code violations, organizing tenants, or filing complaints with government agencies. (IA Code §562A.36)
6. Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for conditions that affect health and safety. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you may have the right to remedies including rent abatement. (IA Code §562A.21)
7. Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures for eviction and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing your belongings. (IA Code §562A.25A)
8. Essential Services: The landlord may not willfully or negligently fail to supply essential services such as heat, running water, hot water, electricity, or gas. (IA Code §562A.23)

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.
9. Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner. (IA Code §562A.17)

Resources

• Iowa Attorney General — Consumer Protection: www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov
• Iowa Legal Aid: www.iowalegalaid.org · 1-800-532-1275
• Iowa Civil Rights Commission: icrc.iowa.gov
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Fair Housing (HUD): 1-800-669-9777