Montana Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Montana splits its deposit deadline in two: 10 days when nothing is deducted, 30 days when the landlord keeps any part of it (MCA § 70-25-202). Unpaid rent triggers a 3-day notice, and landlords need 24 hours’ notice to enter.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Montana?
A Montana landlord must return the deposit within 10 days if there are no deductions, or within 30 days with an itemized list if there are.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 10 days (no deductions); 30 days (with deductions) |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | MCA § 70-25-202 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Montana?
Montana has no rent control and no cap on increases; a month-to-month change needs 30 days’ notice.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | MCA § 70-24-441 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Montana
A Montana eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 3-day notice; most other breaches get 14 days to cure.
| Non-Payment Notice | 3 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 14 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days for illegal drug activity or serious threats |
| Statute Reference | MCA §§ 70-24-422, 70-24-441 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Montana?
No. Montana requires 24 hours’ notice before entry except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 24 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | MCA § 70-24-312 |
What Must a Montana Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the manager and owner or agent
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Montana?
Montana landlords must keep the premises fit and habitable and maintain supplied systems, and tenants deprived of essential services have statutory remedies.
What Montana landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety
- • Keep common areas clean and safe
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances
What a Montana tenant can do
- • Terminate after 14 days’ written notice of a material breach
- • Remedies for wrongful failure to supply essential services
| Statute Reference | MCA §§ 70-24-303, 70-24-406 |