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 KSA §58-2550, the security deposit is limited based on whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished:
- Unfurnished units: Maximum one (1) month's rent.
- Furnished units: Maximum one and one-half (1.5) months' rent.
In addition, KSA §58-2550 allows the landlord to collect a separate pet deposit not exceeding one-half (1/2) month's rent, if pets are permitted under the lease.
Permitted Uses
Pursuant to KSA §58-2550, the security deposit may be applied to: accrued rent; damages to the premises beyond normal wear and tear; and other amounts owed by the tenant under the rental agreement.
Return of Deposit
Pursuant to KSA §58-2550, the landlord must return the security deposit within thirty (30) days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession. Month2Month will provide an itemized list of any deductions together with the remaining balance within that period.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Pursuant to KSA §58-2550, if the landlord fails to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement within thirty days, the tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the amount wrongfully withheld.
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 the appropriate Kansas court, including small claims court for amounts within its jurisdictional limit.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Pursuant to KSA §58-2551, 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 name and address of the owner 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, 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
Kansas law requires that all residential rental properties be equipped with operable smoke detectors. All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with smoke alarms and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with Kansas law, including placement in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling.
Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in all Month2Month properties that contain fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages, in accordance with applicable building codes and best practices.
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. 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.
Tenant Responsibilities to Prevent Mold
- Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly when weather permits, 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.
6. Bed Bug Disclosure
Month2Month provides information about bed bugs to all tenants as a matter of best practice and habitability.
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. Domestic Violence Protections
Right to Terminate Lease Early
Pursuant to KSA §58-2572, a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may terminate a rental agreement by providing written notice to the landlord along with a copy of a protective order, a police report, or other qualifying documentation. The tenant's obligation under the lease terminates thirty (30) days after the next rent due date following the notice.
Kansas Protective Orders
Pursuant to KSA §60-3101 et seq. (Kansas Protection from Abuse Act), victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may petition the court for a protection from abuse order. A protective order may grant the petitioner exclusive possession of a shared residence and prohibit the abuser from entering or remaining at the residence.
Protection from Eviction
A landlord may not evict a tenant solely because the tenant is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or because of incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that occurred on the premises.
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. Month2Month will comply with such requests promptly upon receipt of qualifying documentation.
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)
- Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence: 1-888-363-2287
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Kansas 211 (crisis referral): Dial 2-1-1
8. 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.
9. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights Under Kansas Law
- Habitable Housing: Pursuant to KSA §58-2553, the landlord shall comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety, make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, keep all common areas in a clean and safe condition, maintain in good and safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, and provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for garbage and trash removal.
- Privacy: Pursuant to KSA §58-2557, the landlord may enter the dwelling unit only at reasonable times after giving the tenant reasonable notice (at least 24 hours is recommended), except in cases of emergency. The landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession, with an itemized statement of any deductions and estimated costs. (KSA §58-2550)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or ancestry pursuant to the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KSA §44-1001 et seq.) and the federal Fair Housing Act.
- Freedom from Retaliation: Pursuant to KSA §58-2572, a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession after the tenant has complained to a governmental agency, exercised rights under the landlord-tenant act, or organized or joined a tenant organization.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Pursuant to KSA §58-2559, if the landlord fails to comply with the obligations imposed by §58-2553, the tenant may deliver written notice specifying the breach. If the landlord does not remedy the breach within fourteen (14) days (or as promptly as conditions require in cases of emergency), the tenant may terminate the rental agreement or pursue other remedies.
- Essential Services: Pursuant to KSA §58-2561, if the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply essential services (running water, hot water, heat, electricity, gas), the tenant may give written notice and pursue remedies including obtaining reasonable amounts of essential services during the period of the landlord's noncompliance and deducting actual and reasonable cost from rent.
- Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures for eviction. Pursuant to KSA §58-2563, the landlord may not willfully diminish services, interrupt essential services, or engage in any action to lock out or otherwise exclude the tenant from the premises.
Your Responsibilities
- Pay rent in full and on time.
- Keep the unit clean and sanitary pursuant to KSA §58-2555.
- Dispose of all ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste in a clean and safe manner.
- Keep all plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits.
- Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner.
- Avoid deliberately or negligently destroying, defacing, damaging, impairing, or removing any part of the premises or knowingly permitting others to do so.
- Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
- 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
- Kansas Attorney General — Consumer Protection: www.ag.ks.gov
- Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral: www.ksbar.org
- Kansas Legal Services: www.kansaslegalservices.org
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777