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 MO RSMo §535.300, the security deposit may not exceed an amount equal to two (2) months' rent. The deposit amount will be specified in your lease agreement.
Permitted Uses
Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damages to the premises caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; and other charges owed by the tenant under the lease agreement.
Return of Deposit
Pursuant to MO RSMo §535.300, the landlord must return the security deposit within thirty (30) days after the termination of the tenancy, the delivery of possession, and the tenant providing a forwarding address. Month2Month will provide an itemized list of any deductions together with the remaining balance within that period.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Pursuant to MO RSMo §535.300, if the landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the security deposit, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount 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 appropriate Missouri court, including small claims court for amounts within its jurisdictional limit.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Missouri law requires that the landlord or authorized agent be identified in the lease. Pursuant to MO RSMo §535.185, the landlord or the landlord's agent must disclose the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the owner of the premises 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
Missouri law requires that all residential rental properties be equipped with operable smoke detectors. Pursuant to MO RSMo §315.012, the owner of each existing residential dwelling unit shall install and maintain at least one smoke detector on each floor level of the dwelling.
Pursuant to MO RSMo §315.069, carbon monoxide detectors are required in residential dwellings that contain a fuel-burning heater, furnace, appliance, or fireplace, or have an attached garage.
All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with Missouri law.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. This is a violation of Missouri 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. Missouri's variable climate with humid summers makes mold prevention 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.
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. Methamphetamine Contamination Disclosure
Pursuant to MO RSMo §442.606, the owner of real property who knows or is informed that the property was previously used as a site for the manufacture of methamphetamine, or that methamphetamine contamination has been identified on the property, shall disclose such information to any prospective lessee prior to entering into a rental agreement.
The property must be remediated to the standards established by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources before it may be occupied. If the property has been remediated, Month2Month will provide documentation of the remediation and clearance.
If applicable to your property, this disclosure will be provided separately prior to lease execution.
Health Risks
Residual methamphetamine contamination can cause health effects including respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms. Children, elderly persons, and those with compromised immune systems are at heightened risk.
Right to Void Lease
If you were not properly notified of methamphetamine contamination prior to signing your lease, you may have the right to void the rental agreement and recover damages.
8. Flooding Disclosure
Pursuant to MO RSMo §442.404, the owner or seller of real property that is located in a FEMA-designated flood plain or has been flooded must disclose such information to any prospective buyer or lessee. This disclosure requirement applies to properties known to have been flooded or located in a designated floodplain.
If your property is located in a FEMA-designated special flood hazard area or has a history of flooding, this information will be disclosed in your lease agreement or property-specific addendum.
For detailed flood hazard information, visit FEMA's flood map service at https://msc.fema.gov/portal.
9. Domestic Violence Protections
Right to Terminate Lease Early
Pursuant to MO RSMo §441.920, 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 an order of protection, a police report, or other qualifying documentation. The tenant is released from the lease upon the later of thirty (30) days after delivery of the notice or the date specified in the notice.
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)
- Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: 1-573-634-4161
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Missouri 211 (crisis referral): Dial 2-1-1
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
| 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.
11. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights Under Missouri Law
- Habitable Housing: Missouri courts have recognized an implied warranty of habitability in residential leases. The landlord must maintain the premises in a condition fit for human habitation, including compliance with applicable building and housing codes.
- Privacy: Missouri courts recognize the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and peaceful possession. The landlord must provide reasonable notice before entering your unit except in emergencies.
- 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. (MO RSMo §535.300)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or ancestry pursuant to the Missouri Human Rights Act (MO RSMo §213.040) and the federal Fair Housing Act.
- Freedom from Retaliation: Missouri law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights, including reporting code violations, organizing tenant associations, or complaining about conditions.
- Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues, and your landlord must respond within a reasonable time.
- Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures for eviction through the courts. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are prohibited.
- Rent Escrow: Pursuant to MO RSMo §441.570, in certain municipalities, if the landlord fails to maintain the premises in a habitable condition after proper notice, the tenant may deposit rent into an escrow account with the court.
Your Responsibilities
- Pay rent in full and on time.
- Keep the unit clean and sanitary.
- Avoid damaging the property beyond normal wear and tear.
- Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs and inspections with proper notice.
- 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
- Missouri Attorney General — Consumer Protection: www.ago.mo.gov
- Missouri Bar Association Lawyer Referral: www.mobar.org
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: www.lsem.org
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri: www.lawmo.org
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777