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 Nebraska Revised Statute §76-1416, the total amount of security deposits held by the landlord may not exceed an amount equal to one month's periodic rent. No additional pet deposits or other deposits may be collected that would cause the total to exceed this limit.
Permitted Uses
Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; the cost of repairing damages to the premises caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; and other amounts owed by the tenant under the rental agreement.
Return of Deposit
Pursuant to NE Rev. Stat. §76-1416, Month2Month must return the security deposit or deliver a written statement describing the reasons for withholding any portion within 14 days after the termination of the tenancy and the tenant's delivery of possession. If any portion is withheld, you will receive an itemized list specifying the nature and amount of each deduction.
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.
3. Landlord and Property Manager Information
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute §76-1417, 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 Detectors
Nebraska law requires operable smoke detectors in every residential rental unit. The landlord must install and maintain smoke detectors in compliance with state law and applicable building codes. Smoke detectors must be installed on each floor of the dwelling, including the basement, and near sleeping areas.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke 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.
Month2Month is responsible for ensuring all devices are operable at the beginning of each tenancy. The tenant is responsible for maintaining smoke detectors during the tenancy, including replacing batteries as needed, unless the detector is hardwired or uses a sealed long-life battery.
5. Mold Disclosure
While Nebraska does not have a specific mold disclosure statute, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a fit and habitable condition under the Nebraska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§76-1419). 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
- Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly, 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
Nebraska's Uniform 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. Domestic Violence Protections
Right to Terminate Lease Early
Pursuant to NE Rev. Stat. §76-1431.02, 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 qualifying documentation such as:
- A copy of a protection order or restraining order
- A copy of a police report documenting the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
- A written certification from a domestic violence or sexual assault program
Right to Request Lock Changes
A victim tenant may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will change the locks promptly upon receiving a written request accompanied by qualifying documentation.
Protection from Discrimination
A landlord may not refuse to rent, terminate a tenancy, or retaliate against a tenant based on the tenant's status as 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
- Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition: www.nebraskacoalition.org · 1-800-876-6238
- Nebraska Crime Commission Victim Assistance: ncc.nebraska.gov
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
- Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must meet basic health and safety standards, including weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, hot water, electricity, and freedom from vermin. The landlord must maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1419)
- 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. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1423)
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 14 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1416)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, ancestry, or retaliation. (NE Rev. Stat. §20-301 et seq. — Nebraska Fair Housing Act)
- Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including complaining about code violations or exercising remedies under the Act. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1439)
- Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for conditions that affect health and safety. If the landlord fails to maintain the premises, you may have the right to remedies including rent abatement or termination of the rental agreement. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1425)
- 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. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1430)
- Essential Services: The landlord may not willfully or negligently fail to supply essential services such as heat, running water, hot water, electricity, or gas. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1427)
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.
- Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner. (NE Rev. Stat. §76-1421)
Resources
- Nebraska Attorney General — Consumer Protection: ago.nebraska.gov
- Legal Aid of Nebraska: www.legalaidofnebraska.org · 1-877-250-2016
- Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission: neoc.nebraska.gov
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing (HUD): 1-800-669-9777