Maryland Mandatory Rental Disclosures

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal)

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. Maryland Lead Paint Risk Reduction

Under Maryland's Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law, owners of "affected properties" (rental dwellings built before 1978) must comply with the following requirements:

Registration

All affected properties must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) before they can be rented. The registration must be renewed periodically, and a registration fee must be paid.

Lead Risk Reduction Standards

Before each new tenancy, the owner must ensure the property meets lead risk reduction standards, which include:

• Visual inspection of all painted surfaces for deteriorated paint.
• Repair of deteriorated paint using lead-safe work practices, performed by an accredited lead paint worker or an accredited lead paint contractor.
• Passage of a dust wipe test conducted by an accredited lead paint inspector or risk assessor, confirming that lead dust levels on floors, window sills, and window troughs are below applicable standards.
• Issuance of a satisfactory lead inspection certificate to be provided to the tenant.

Tenant Notification

The owner must provide each tenant with:

• A copy of the lead inspection certificate.
• A copy of the MDE notice "Notice of Tenants' Rights" (regarding lead paint).
• Information about lead poisoning prevention.
• The EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."

Ongoing Obligations

• Owners must respond promptly to reports of deteriorated paint and ensure repairs are made using lead-safe work practices.
• If a child under age 6 residing in the property is found to have an elevated blood lead level, the owner must comply with additional MDE requirements including investigation and lead hazard reduction.
• Owners must maintain records of all lead inspections, certifications, and remediation work.

Full Lead-Free Status

A property may be certified as "lead-free" if a qualified inspector determines that no lead-based paint is present. A lead-free certificate does not expire and exempts the owner from the recurring risk reduction requirements.

For more information: Maryland Department of the Environment, Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, at 1-800-776-2706 or www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/land/leadpoisoningprevention.

3. Security Deposit

Deposit Limits

Under Maryland law, a security deposit may not exceed two (2) months' rent.

Holding the Deposit

The landlord must deposit the security deposit in a federally insured financial institution (bank, savings and loan association, or credit union) in Maryland. The landlord must provide the tenant with a receipt that includes the amount of the deposit, the name and address of the financial institution where the deposit is held, and a statement that the tenant has the right to receive reasonable interest.

Permitted Uses

Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damage to the premises caused by the tenant that exceeds ordinary wear and tear; and other charges or damages as provided for in the lease agreement and permitted by law.

Return of Deposit

Within 45 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates, the landlord must return the security deposit together with accrued interest, less any lawful deductions. The landlord must provide an itemized list of any deductions, including the actual or estimated costs of repairs. If the landlord provides estimated costs, the landlord must furnish the tenant with actual costs within 30 days after the itemized list is provided.

Failure to Comply

If the landlord fails to return the deposit and provide the itemized statement within 45 days, the tenant may be entitled to a penalty of up to three times the amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.

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 District Court of Maryland. Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-203(e), a landlord who wrongfully withholds a security deposit may be liable for up to three times the withheld amount plus attorney's fees.

4. Landlord Identity and Address

Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-210, every landlord must include in the lease or provide to the tenant in writing:

• The name and address of the landlord or the landlord's agent.
• The name and address of the person authorized to accept service of process and receive notices and demands on behalf of the landlord.
• The name and address of the property manager, if different from the landlord.

This information is provided in your lease agreement. Month2Month serves as the property manager for all properties in our portfolio.

General Contact: [email protected]

5. Move-In and Move-Out Inspection

Move-In Inspection

Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-203.1, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written list of damages existing in the premises at the beginning of the tenancy. The tenant has the right to be present during the inspection and to receive a copy of the inspection report. The tenant may note any additional damages on the report and return it to the landlord within 5 days.

Month2Month will conduct a thorough move-in inspection and provide you with a written condition report, accompanied by photographs, at the beginning of your tenancy. You should carefully review this report, note any additional items, and return it within the specified timeframe.

Move-Out Inspection

At the end of the tenancy, Month2Month will conduct a move-out inspection to document the condition of the property. You have the right to be present during the move-out inspection. The results of this inspection will be compared against the move-in report to determine whether any deductions from the security deposit are warranted.

Importance of Documentation

The move-in inspection report is a critical document that protects your security deposit. Any damage noted on the move-in report cannot later be charged against your deposit. Keep your copy of the move-in report for the duration of your tenancy.

6. Mold Disclosure

Pursuant to MD Environment Code §6-103, before a tenant executes a lease, the landlord must provide written notice to the tenant if the landlord has knowledge of the existence of mold in the dwelling unit that may pose a health risk to the tenant or the tenant's family.

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 Maryland law.

Indoor Mold Standards

The Maryland Department of the Environment has established indoor mold standards and guidelines. If mold contamination is found to exceed these standards, the landlord is responsible for remediation using qualified professionals.

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.

Maryland law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. If mold develops due to landlord negligence (such as failure to repair leaks), the landlord is responsible for remediation.

7. Bed Bug Disclosure

Maryland's warranty of habitability requires landlords to ensure rental units are free of pest infestations that affect health and safety. Many Maryland counties and municipalities have specific bed bug regulations and reporting requirements.

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.

8. Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

All Month2Month rental properties in Maryland are equipped with operable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with Maryland law and the Maryland Building Performance Standards. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in compliance with the Maryland CO detector requirements, including outside each sleeping area in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

Tenant Responsibilities

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

9. Habitability and Fitness for Habitation

Maryland law imposes a warranty of habitability on all residential landlords. Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-211, the landlord must maintain the dwelling in a condition that is fit for human habitation.

Landlord's Obligations

The landlord must ensure that the rental property:

• Is free of serious and substantial defects that constitute a danger to the life, health, or safety of occupants.
• Complies with all applicable housing, building, fire, and health codes.
• Has adequate heating, plumbing, hot water, electricity, and ventilation.
• Is weatherproof, watertight, and structurally sound.
• Is free from infestation by insects, rodents, or vermin.
• Has functioning sanitary facilities.
• Has properly maintained common areas (if applicable).

Tenant Remedies for Defects

If the landlord fails to maintain the property in habitable condition and does not correct defects within a reasonable time after written notice, the tenant may have the following remedies under Maryland law:

• Rent escrow: The tenant may pay rent into a court-supervised escrow account (MD Code Real Property §8-211). The court may order the landlord to make repairs, reduce rent, or terminate the lease.
• Repair and deduct: In some circumstances, the tenant may make necessary repairs and deduct the cost from rent, following proper procedures.
• Lease termination: For conditions that substantially impair health and safety.

10. Domestic Violence Protections

Right to Terminate Lease Early

Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-5A-02, a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may terminate a lease by providing the landlord with written notice at least 30 days before the date of termination, along with one of the following:

• A copy of a current protective order or peace order issued by a Maryland court
• A copy of a filed police report or a written statement from a law enforcement officer documenting the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
• A written certification from a domestic violence program, sexual assault crisis program, or human trafficking program that the tenant is a victim

Right to Request Lock Changes

A tenant who is a victim may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. The landlord must change the locks within a reasonable time. If the landlord does not change the locks within a reasonable time, the tenant may change the locks and must provide a key to the landlord.

Protection from Eviction

Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-5A-03, a landlord may not evict a tenant solely because the tenant, a member of the tenant's household, or a guest of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. An incident of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking is not a lease violation by the victim.

No Adverse Action

A landlord may not take adverse action against a tenant (such as refusing to renew a lease, increasing rent, or decreasing services) because the tenant has exercised rights under the domestic violence protections law.

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

• Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-MD-HELPS (1-800-634-3577)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Maryland Legal Aid: www.mdlab.org (410-539-5340)
• Maryland Courts — Protective Orders: www.mdcourts.gov/family/domesticviolence

11. Tenant Rights Statement

Pursuant to MD Code Real Property §8-208, the lease must include or be accompanied by a statement of the tenant's rights, which must include the following information:

• The tenant's right to a habitable dwelling.
• The security deposit amount, how it is held, and the conditions for its return.
• The landlord's obligations for maintenance and repairs.
• The tenant's right to a move-in/move-out inspection.
• Procedures for reporting maintenance issues and emergencies.
• The landlord's right of entry and notice requirements.
• Information about the rent escrow process.
• Fair housing protections.
• The tenant's right to organize and join a tenants' organization.

This disclosure document, together with your lease agreement, serves as the required statement of tenant rights. For additional information about your rights as a Maryland tenant, visit the Maryland Attorney General's Office at www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx or the People's Law Library at www.peoples-law.org.

12. Energy Efficiency Disclosure

Maryland encourages energy efficiency in rental housing. While there is no mandatory energy audit disclosure requirement for individual rental units, Maryland law and programs provide important energy-related information and benefits for tenants:

EmPOWER Maryland Programs

Maryland utilities offer energy efficiency programs through EmPOWER Maryland, which may include:

• Free or reduced-cost home energy audits.
• Rebates for energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
• Weatherization assistance for income-qualifying households.
• Energy-saving lighting and appliance programs.

Utility Information

Your lease agreement specifies which utilities are included in your rent and which are your responsibility. If you are responsible for any utility accounts, you are encouraged to contact the utility provider to learn about available energy efficiency programs and billing options, including budget billing.

Tenant Energy Conservation

• Set thermostat to energy-efficient temperatures (68°F in winter, 78°F in summer when home).
• Report drafts, air leaks, or insulation concerns to Month2Month.
• Use energy-efficient lighting and turn off lights when not in use.
• Do not block heating/cooling vents with furniture.

For information about Maryland energy efficiency programs, visit www.energy.maryland.gov or contact your local utility provider.

13. Flood Zone Disclosure

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.

Maryland is susceptible to flooding from coastal storms, heavy rainfall, and tidal surges, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay region and along rivers. Tenants should be aware of their property's flood risk and take appropriate precautions.

For detailed flood hazard information, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal or the Maryland Department of the Environment Flood Management at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/floodmanagement.

14. 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.

15. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights

1. Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must be fit for human habitation, including adequate weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electricity, and freedom from vermin and hazardous conditions. (MD Real Property §8-211)
2. Privacy: Your landlord must give reasonable advance notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter for specific lawful purposes such as repairs, inspections, or showing the property.
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 45 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions and accrued interest. (MD Real Property §8-203)
4. Move-In/Move-Out Inspection: You have the right to a documented inspection at the beginning and end of your tenancy. (MD Real Property §8-203.1)
5. Freedom from Discrimination: Under the Maryland Fair Housing Law (MD Human Relations Code §20-101 et seq.), you cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or source of income.
6. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints with government agencies, requesting repairs, or organizing tenants. (MD Real Property §8-208.1)
7. Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs after notice, you may pursue a rent escrow action. (MD Real Property §8-211)
8. 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 personal property. (MD Real Property §8-216)
9. Lead Paint Protections: If your property was built before 1978, you have the right to receive a lead inspection certificate and notice of your rights regarding lead paint. (MD Environment Code §6-801 et seq.)
10. Mold Disclosure: You have the right to be notified of any known mold conditions. (MD Environment Code §6-103)

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. Comply with all applicable state, county, and municipal codes and ordinances.

Resources

• Maryland Attorney General — Landlord/Tenant Rights: www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx
• People's Law Library of Maryland: www.peoples-law.org
• Maryland Legal Aid: www.mdlab.org (410-539-5340)
• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: mccr.maryland.gov (1-800-637-6247)
• MD Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-634-3577
• Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-884-1684