Montana 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."

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 Montana Code Annotated §70-25-201, the total amount of security deposits held by the landlord may not exceed an amount equal to one month's rent. This applies regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished.

Permitted Uses

Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; repair of damages to the premises caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; cleaning necessary to restore the unit to the condition at the start of tenancy (normal wear and tear excepted); and other amounts owed under the rental agreement.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to MCA §70-25-202, Month2Month must return the security deposit or deliver a written, itemized statement of deductions within the following timeframes:

• 10 days if no deductions are made from the deposit
• 30 days if deductions are claimed, along with an itemized list of damages and the remaining balance

Move-In / Move-Out Condition Statement

Montana law requires the landlord to provide a written statement of the condition of the premises at or before the commencement of the tenancy. Month2Month will provide a detailed condition report with photographs at move-in, and you will have the opportunity to note any discrepancies.

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 small claims court (Justice Court in Montana).

3. Landlord and Property Manager Information

Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated §70-24-301, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on the landlord's behalf must disclose to the tenant in writing, at or before the commencement of the tenancy:

• The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises
• The name and address of an 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 for the purpose of receiving notices and demands

A person who fails to comply with this section becomes an agent of each person who is the owner of the premises 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

Montana law requires operable smoke detectors in every residential rental unit. Pursuant to MCA §70-24-303, the landlord must install and maintain smoke alarms in compliance with state law. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in dwelling units with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages, in accordance with applicable building codes.

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 the tenancy. The tenant must not interfere with the proper operation of any installed safety devices.

5. Mold Disclosure

While Montana does not have a specific mold disclosure statute, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a fit and habitable condition under the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§70-24-303). Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.

Month2Month is not aware of any mold in the rental property that 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.

6. Bed Bug Disclosure

Montana's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to maintain rental premises in a fit and habitable condition, which encompasses pest-free conditions. Month2Month provides the following information to help tenants identify and prevent bed bug issues.

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 MCA §75-10-1305 and §70-24-303(1)(h), the landlord must disclose to the tenant in writing if the property has been used as a site for the manufacture of methamphetamine and whether the property has been assessed and/or decontaminated in accordance with Montana law.

If a property has been contaminated by methamphetamine production and has not been properly decontaminated, it may pose health risks including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health effects from exposure to residual chemical contamination on surfaces, in ventilation systems, and in building materials.

Disclosure Status

Month2Month certifies that, to its knowledge, no property in the Month2Month portfolio has been used as a methamphetamine production site. If any property-specific disclosure is required, it will be provided separately prior to lease execution.

Decontamination Standards

Montana requires that properties contaminated by methamphetamine production be decontaminated to the standards established by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality before they may be occupied. A certificate of fitness for habitation must be obtained before the property can be rented.

8. Domestic Violence Protections

Right to Terminate Lease Early

Pursuant to MCA §70-24-442, a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may terminate a rental agreement by providing the landlord with written notice at least 30 days before the proposed termination date, along with one of the following forms of documentation:

• A copy of a valid order of protection
• A copy of a police report or other written evidence from a law enforcement agency documenting the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
• A written certification from a domestic violence or sexual assault program

Right to Request Lock Changes

Pursuant to MCA §70-24-442, a victim tenant may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. The landlord must change the locks within 24 hours of receiving a written request accompanied by qualifying documentation. If the landlord fails to change the locks within 24 hours, the tenant may change the locks and provide the landlord with a copy of the new key.

Protection from Retaliation

A landlord may not evict, refuse to renew a lease, or retaliate against a tenant who exercises rights under MCA §70-24-442, or who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

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)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: www.mcadsv.com · 1-888-404-7794
• Montana Crime Victims Compensation Program: doj.mt.gov

9. 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 as part of the move-in condition statement required under Montana law. Month2Month will document the condition of all items through photography. You will receive a copy of the move-in condition report.

10. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights

1. Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must meet basic health and safety standards. Montana law requires the landlord to comply with building and housing codes, maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition, keep common areas clean and safe, maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems, provide running water and reasonable amounts of hot water, and supply heat during the heating season. (MCA §70-24-303)
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 lawful purposes. (MCA §70-24-312)
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 10 days (if no deductions) or 30 days (with itemized deductions) after move-out. (MCA §70-25-202)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or familial status. (MCA §49-2-305 — Montana Human Rights Act)
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including complaining about habitability conditions or exercising remedies under the Act. (MCA §70-24-431)
6. Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for conditions that affect habitability. If the landlord fails to maintain essential services, you may have the right to remedies including obtaining substitute services or terminating the rental agreement. (MCA §70-24-406, §70-24-408)
7. Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures for eviction and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing your belongings. (MCA §70-24-411)
8. Domestic Violence Protections: You have the right to terminate your lease early and request lock changes if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (MCA §70-24-442)

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. Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner. (MCA §70-24-321)

Resources

• Montana Attorney General — Consumer Protection: doj.mt.gov
• Montana Legal Services Association: www.mtlsa.org · 1-800-666-6899
• Montana Human Rights Bureau: erd.dli.mt.gov
• Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence: 1-888-404-7794
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Fair Housing (HUD): 1-800-669-9777