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
Mississippi law does not impose a statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit. The deposit amount will be specified in your lease agreement.
Permitted Uses
Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-21, the security deposit may be applied to: the payment of accrued rent; the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with the rental agreement or the obligations imposed by §89-8-25; and other charges owed under the rental agreement.
Return of Deposit
Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-21, the landlord must return the security deposit within forty-five (45) days after the termination of the tenancy and the tenant's delivery of possession, less any amounts lawfully withheld. Month2Month will provide an itemized list of any deductions together with the remaining balance.
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 Mississippi court. If the landlord does not comply with the requirements of §89-8-21, the tenant may recover actual damages or the full deposit, whichever is greater.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-19, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on behalf of the landlord must disclose to the tenant in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the 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 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 Detectors
Mississippi law requires that all residential rental properties be equipped with operable smoke detectors. All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with smoke detectors installed in compliance with Mississippi law, including placement in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke detector. This is a violation of Mississippi 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.
- Notify Month2Month immediately if you discover any smoke detector is inoperable or missing.
Month2Month is responsible for ensuring all smoke detectors are operable at the beginning of each tenancy and for maintaining them throughout, including replacing batteries and units as needed. The tenant is responsible for notifying the landlord of any deficiencies and for not tampering with any device.
5. Mold Disclosure
Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Mississippi's warm, humid climate makes mold prevention especially important. 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.
Mississippi law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition pursuant to §89-8-23. If mold develops due to landlord negligence (such as failure to repair leaks), the landlord is responsible for remediation.
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
Federal VAWA Protections
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), tenants in covered housing programs cannot be denied housing or evicted solely because they are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Mississippi Protective Orders
Pursuant to MS Code §93-21-1 et seq., victims of domestic abuse may petition the court for a protective order. A protective order may grant the petitioner possession of a shared residence and prohibit the abuser from entering or remaining at the residence.
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 such as a protective order or police report.
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)
- Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-898-3234
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Mississippi 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 Mississippi Law
- Habitable Housing: Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-23, 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, and keep all common areas in a clean and safe condition.
- Privacy: Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-27, the landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit only at reasonable times with consent of the tenant, except in cases of emergency.
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 45 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (MS Code §89-8-21)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status pursuant to the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3601 et seq.).
- Freedom from Retaliation: Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-17, 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 of a violation of a building or housing code, or has complained to the landlord of a failure to comply with the rental agreement.
- Repairs and Maintenance: If the landlord fails to comply with the obligations imposed by §89-8-23, the tenant may deliver written notice specifying the breach and requesting remedy. If the landlord does not remedy within a reasonable time, the tenant has remedies available under §89-8-13.
- Essential Services: Pursuant to MS Code §89-8-15, 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 reasonable costs of substitute housing.
Your Responsibilities
- Pay rent in full and on time.
- Keep the unit clean and sanitary pursuant to MS Code §89-8-25.
- 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.
- 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
- Mississippi Attorney General — Consumer Protection: www.ago.state.ms.us
- Mississippi Bar Association Lawyer Referral: www.msbar.org
- Mississippi Center for Legal Services: www.mscenterforlegalservices.org
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777