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."
Rhode Island Lead Poisoning Prevention Act
Rhode Island's Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (RIGL §23-24.6) is among the most comprehensive in the nation. The Act requires owners of pre-1978 residential rental property to maintain the property in a lead-safe condition. Owners must obtain a Certificate of Conformance demonstrating compliance with lead hazard mitigation standards. The certificate must be provided to tenants and posted in common areas. Owners who fail to maintain lead-safe conditions face significant civil and criminal penalties.
For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or the Rhode Island Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (401) 222-7600.
2. Security Deposit
Deposit Limits
Pursuant to RIGL §34-18-19, the security deposit is limited to a maximum of one (1) month's rent.
Deposit Handling
The landlord must hold the security deposit in a separate escrow account at a bank or savings institution in Rhode Island. The landlord is not required to pay interest on the security deposit unless the tenant's lease is for a term of six months or more, in which case interest at the rate of the lesser of 5% or the rate paid by the institution must be paid annually.
Permitted Uses
Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damage to the property caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; and other obligations of the tenant under the rental agreement.
Return of Deposit
Within twenty (20) days after the termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address, the landlord must return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions, together with the remaining balance.
3. Owner and Property Manager Information
Pursuant to RIGL §34-18-20, the landlord must disclose to the tenant in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises, and the name and address of an owner or person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for purposes of service of process and for receiving notices and demands.
Your lease agreement contains the specific owner information, property manager contact information, and emergency maintenance contact 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
All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with operable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with Rhode Island law. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the dwelling. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every habitable level of the dwelling.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. This is a violation of Rhode Island 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. 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, 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
Under Rhode Island law, landlords are required to maintain rental premises free from insect and pest infestations. If a bed bug infestation is reported, the landlord must arrange for professional pest control treatment.
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 bed bugs are discovered, Month2Month will arrange professional pest control treatment.
7. Code of Practice
Rhode Island law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in compliance with the state minimum housing standards. The Rhode Island Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code establishes minimum standards for health, safety, and welfare of occupants, including requirements for structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and sanitation.
Month2Month maintains all properties in compliance with applicable housing codes. If you believe your property does not meet minimum housing standards, you may contact Month2Month to request repairs or contact your local building inspector's office to file a complaint.
Tenants have the right to request code enforcement inspections from local authorities without fear of retaliation from the landlord.
8. Domestic Violence Protections
Right to Terminate Lease Early
A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence may terminate a lease early by providing the landlord with written notice, along with supporting documentation such as a protective order, police report, or certification from a qualified professional.
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. The landlord must comply within a reasonable time after receiving proper documentation.
Protection from Eviction
A landlord may not evict, refuse to renew, or otherwise penalize a tenant based solely on the tenant's status as a victim of domestic violence. Incidents of domestic violence committed against a tenant do not constitute grounds for eviction of the victim.
Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
- Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-494-8100
- Day One (RI Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center): (401) 421-4100
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
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
| 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.
10. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights
- Warranty of Habitability: Your rental unit must be maintained in a condition that is fit for human habitation and in compliance with all applicable building and housing codes, including adequate weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electricity, and freedom from vermin and hazards. (RIGL §34-18-22)
- Privacy: Your landlord must give at least two (2) days' notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter at reasonable times for specific lawful purposes. (RIGL §34-18-26)
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 20 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (RIGL §34-18-19)
- Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, national origin, marital status, familial status, or housing status. (RIGL §34-37-4)
- Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints about housing conditions. (RIGL §34-18-46)
- Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues. If the landlord fails to make essential repairs after notice, you may have remedies including rent escrow. (RIGL §34-18-30)
- 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 your belongings. (RIGL §34-18-34)
- Quiet Enjoyment: You have the right to quiet enjoyment of your premises without unreasonable interference by the landlord.
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
- Rhode Island Attorney General — Tenant Rights: riag.ri.gov
- Rhode Island Legal Services: rils.org
- Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights: richr.ri.gov
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777