Maine 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."

Maine Lead Poisoning Control Act

Under Maine's Lead Poisoning Control Act (22 MRSA §§1314-1329), owners of pre-1978 rental housing must comply with lead hazard disclosure and remediation requirements. When a child under six years of age with an elevated blood lead level is identified as residing in the property, the owner must have the property inspected and must perform lead hazard reduction activities as ordered by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead abatement and renovation activities must be performed by certified professionals.

For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (866) 292-3474.

2. Security Deposit

Deposit Limits

Pursuant to 14 MRSA §6032, the security deposit is limited to a maximum of two (2) months' rent.

Deposit Handling

The landlord must hold the security deposit in a bank account in the state of Maine, and may not commingle the deposit with the landlord's personal funds. The landlord must provide the tenant with a written receipt stating the amount of the deposit, the name and location of the bank where the deposit is held, and a statement of the conditions under which the landlord may retain all or part of the deposit.

Permitted Uses

Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damage to the property caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; and other charges as specifically permitted by the rental agreement.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to 14 MRSA §6033, within thirty (30) days after the termination of the tenancy (or within twenty-one (21) days if the tenant provides a forwarding address in writing), the landlord must return the security deposit or provide a written, itemized list of damages and the estimated cost of repairs, together with the remaining balance.

3. Owner and Property Manager Information

Pursuant to 14 MRSA §6024, the landlord must disclose to the tenant in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the person authorized to receive notices and service of process on behalf of the owner. If the owner does not reside in the state, the landlord must also provide the name and address of a person residing within the state who is authorized to act as the owner's agent.

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 Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with operable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with Maine law. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, on every level of the dwelling, and in the basement. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the dwelling that contains a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. This is a violation of Maine 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.
• 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

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.

Under Maine's implied warranty of habitability (14 MRSA §6021), landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a condition fit for human habitation. Mold that renders a unit uninhabitable must be promptly remediated by the landlord.

6. Bed Bug Disclosure

Pursuant to 14 MRSA §6021-A, Maine law addresses bed bug infestations in rental housing. Landlords must maintain rental premises free from insect and pest infestations. A landlord may not rent a dwelling unit that the landlord knows has an active bed bug infestation. If a bed bug infestation is discovered, the landlord must arrange for professional pest control treatment.

Tenant Obligations

The tenant must promptly notify the landlord of any suspected bed bug infestation. The tenant must cooperate with the landlord's pest control efforts, including preparing the unit for treatment as instructed by the pest control professional. The tenant must not introduce items known to be infested with bed bugs into the dwelling.

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 bed bugs are discovered, Month2Month will arrange professional pest control treatment in compliance with Maine law.

7. Radon Disclosure

Maine has elevated radon levels in many areas of the state. The following applies:

• Radon testing and mitigation in Maine must be performed by registered professionals under the Maine Radon Registration Act.
• If radon testing has been conducted on the property, the results will be disclosed in your lease agreement.
• The EPA recommends mitigation for radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.

Tenant Rights Regarding Radon

Tenants have the right to request information about any known radon test results for the property. If applicable to your property, radon test results and mitigation status will be disclosed in your lease agreement.

For more information: Maine Department of Health and Human Services Radon Program at (800) 232-0842 or visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/air-quality/radon/.

8. Energy Efficiency Disclosure

Maine law encourages energy efficiency disclosure for rental properties. Landlords are encouraged to provide tenants with information regarding:

• The type of fuel used for heating, water heating, and cooking
• Known insulation levels and weatherization status
• Any available energy audit information for the property
• The energy efficiency rating of the property, if available

Maine participates in the Efficiency Maine Trust programs that may provide energy savings opportunities for both landlords and tenants, including weatherization assistance and appliance rebates. For more information, visit efficiencymaine.com or call (866) 376-2463.

If applicable to your property, specific energy efficiency information will be disclosed in your lease agreement.

9. Domestic Violence Protections

Right to Terminate Lease Early

A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may terminate a lease early by providing the landlord with written notice at least 30 days before the date of termination, along with supporting documentation such as a protection from abuse order, a police report, or a certification from a qualified professional.

Right to Request Lock Changes

A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. The landlord must change the locks within a reasonable time after receiving proper documentation. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant may change the locks and provide the landlord with a copy of the new key.

Protection from Eviction

A landlord may not evict, refuse to renew, or otherwise penalize a tenant based solely on the tenant's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Incidents of domestic violence committed against a tenant do not constitute a lease violation by the victim.

Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
• Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence: 1-866-834-4357
• Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 1-800-871-7741
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

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

1. Warranty of Habitability: Your rental unit must be maintained in a condition that is fit for human habitation, including adequate weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electricity, and freedom from vermin and hazards. (14 MRSA §6021)
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 specific lawful purposes. (14 MRSA §6025)
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out (or 21 days if forwarding address provided), with an itemized statement of any deductions. (14 MRSA §6033)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, familial status, or receipt of public assistance. (5 MRSA §4581-A)
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints about housing conditions, joining a tenants' organization, or reporting code violations. (14 MRSA §6001(3))
6. Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues. If the landlord fails to make essential repairs after notice, you may have remedies including rent escrow or repair and deduct. (14 MRSA §6026)
7. Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures through the courts and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing your belongings. (14 MRSA §6014)
8. Quiet Enjoyment: You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your premises without unreasonable interference by the landlord.

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

• Maine Attorney General — Consumer Protection: maine.gov/ag
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance: ptla.org
• Maine Human Rights Commission: maine.gov/mhrc
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777