Montana

Montana Landlord Tenant Key Rules

Official Montana Forms:

 

Security Deposit

TOPIC	RULE
Security Deposit Maximum:	No maximum. Common practice is 1-2x monthly rent
Security Deposit Interest:	No statute
Separate Security Deposit Bank Account:	No statute
Non-refundable fees:	No statute
Pet Deposits and Additional Fees:	No statute
Deadline for Returning Security Deposit:	30-days Mont. Code § 70-25-202
Permitted Uses of the Deposit:	Unpaid rent, late charges, utilities, cleaning. Mont. Code § 70-25-201(1)
Security Deposit can be Withheld:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-25-201(1)
Require Written Description/Itemized List of Damages and Charges:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-25-202
Receipt of Security Deposit:	No statute
Record Keeping of Deposit Withholdings:	No statute
Failure to Comply:	Results in landlord forfeiting any withholding on the deposit. Mont. Code § 70-25-203

Lease, Rent & Fees

TOPIC	RULE
Rent is Due:	At the beginning of the month or week depending on the type of lease unless otherwise stated in the lease. Mont. Code § 70-24-201(2)
Payment Methods:	Payable at landlord’s address or via electronic funds. Mont. Code § 70-24-201(2)
Rent Increase Notice:	No specific statute regarding rent increase notices. However, if the landlord wants to make any substantial change they must give 30-day notice for monthly agreements, and 7-day notice for weekly agreements. Mont. Code § 70-24-311
Late Fees:	No statute. However, if any late fees are to be imposed it must be stated in the lease.
Application Fees:	No statute
Prepaid Rent:	No statute
Returned Check Fees:	$30 Mont. Code § 27-1-717(2)
Tenant Allowed to Withhold Rent for Failure to Provide Essential Services (Water, Heat, etc.):	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-408(1)(a)
Tenant Allowed to Repair and Deduct Rent:	Yes. Repair cost may not exceed 1 month’s rent. Mont. Code § 70-24-406(1)(b)
Self-Help Evictions:	Not allowed. A landlord must comply with housing codes, and maintain the premises fit to live. Mont. Code § 70-24-303
Landlord Allowed to Recover Court and Attorney’s Fees:	No statute
Landlord Must Make a Reasonable Attempt to Mitigate Damages to Lessee, including an Attempt to Re-rent:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-426

Notices and Entry

TOPIC	RULE
Notice to Terminate Tenancy:	No specific statute for fixed tenancies because they simply finishd on the end date.
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Week-to-week:	7-day notice Mont. Code § 70-24-441(1)
Notice to Terminate a Periodic Lease – Month-to-Month:	30-day notice Mont. Code § 70-24-441(2)
Notice to Terminate Lease due to Sale of Property:	No statute
Notice of date/time of Move-Out Inspection:	The premises may be inspected 1 week prior to termination of tenancy at the request of either party. Mont. Code § 70-25-201(2)
Notice of Termination for Nonpayment:	3-day notice to quit or remedy Mont. Code § 70-24-422(2)
Notice for Lease Violation:	3-day notice for unauthorized pets and people in unit. 14-day notice for other noncompliant matters. Mont. Code § 70-24-422(1)(b)(c)(d)
Required Notice before Entry:	24-hour notice required Mont. Code § 70-24-312(3)(a)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Maintenance and Repairs:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-312(1)
Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-312(3)(a)
Entry Allowed During Tenant’s Extended Absence:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-312(4)(c)
Entry Allowed with Notice for Showing the Property:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-312(1)
Notice to Tenants for Pesticide Use:	No statute
Lockouts Allowed:	Not allowed. Mont. Code § 70-24-441
Utility Shut-offs Allowed:	Not allowed unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises. Mont. Code § 70-24-428
Electronic Notices Allowed:	Yes Mont. Code § 70-24-108

Disclosures

• Name and Addresses: Landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the owner and manager. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-301)
• Copy of the Lease: Must provide a copy of the written lease. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-301)
• Domestic Violence Situations: Victims can terminate lease early with proof. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-428)

Duties

Landlord’s Duties

• Compliance: Must comply with applicable housing codes. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-303)
• Repairs: Keep premises in a fit and habitable condition. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-303)
• Common Areas: Maintain cleanliness and safety. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-303)
• Maintenance: Ensure all systems function properly. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-303)
• Garbage: Provide for removal. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-303)

Tenant’s Duties

• Cleanliness: Maintain clean premises. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-321)
• Trash: Dispose of garbage correctly. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-321)
• Plumbing: Use responsibly. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-321)
• Appliances: Operate appropriately. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-321)
• Damage: No intentional or negligent damage. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-321)
• Quiet Enjoyment: Avoid disturbing others. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-321)
• Subleasing: Subject to lease agreement. (Lease-specific)
• Retaliation: Not allowed. (Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-431)
• Lead Disclosure: Federal law requirement.