Montana Rental Laws

Montana Rental Laws

Your Montana Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.

Official Website of the State of Montana

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Montana was 1,023,579 on July 1, 2014, a 3.45% increase since the 2010 United States Census

The State of Montana has 56 Counties

State Rules and Regulations

Important Lease Terms

Security Deposits

  • Amount: No Restrictions
  • Return Deadline:  30 days (10 days if no deductions)

Fees and Notice

  • Applications Fees:  No Restrictions
  • Termination Notice:  14 days; 3 days if unauthorized pet or person on premises.
  • Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes or repair and deduct

Landlord Disclosures

Real Estate Links

Federal Government

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act:  Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
  • Fair Housing Act:  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children

Credit Reports

Tenant Screening

  • Counties covered:  Beaverhead,   Big Horn,   Blaine,   Broadwater,   Carbon,   Carter,   Cascade,   Chouteau,   Custer,   Daniels,   Dawson,   Deer Lodge,   Fallon,   Fergus,   Flathead,   Gallatin,   Garfield,   Glacier,   Golden Valley,   Granite,   Hill,   Jefferson,   Judith Basin,   Lake,   Lewis And Clark,   Liberty,   Lincoln,   Madison,   McCone,   Meagher,   Mineral,   Missoula,   Musselshell,   Park,   Petroleum,   Phillips,   Pondera,   Powder River,   Powell,   Prairie,   Ravalli,   Richland,   Roosevelt,   Rosebud,   Sanders,   Sheridan,   Silver Bow,   Stillwater,   Sweet Grass,   Teton,   Toole,   Treasure,   Valley,   Wheatland,   Wibaux,   Yellowstone,   Yellowstone National Park
  • Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
    Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Last Updated: April 14, 2020