Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Montana

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Montana, mainly from the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of 1977, MCA Title 70, chapters 24 and 25. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Deposit return deadline

30 days (10 days if no deductions)1MCA 70-25-202(1)

If the landlord keeps any of the deposit, a list of charges and any balance is due within 30 days after the tenancy ends. If there are no deductions, the deposit must be returned within 10 days.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2MCA 70-24-441

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with at least 30 days' written notice before the end date in the notice.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2MCA 70-24-441

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with at least 30 days' written notice before the end date in the notice.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

Local rent control barred3MCA 7-1-111(26)

Local governments with self-government powers may not control the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property.

Landlord entry

24 hours4MCA 70-24-312(3)

The landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. A notice posted on the main entry door counts.

Notice for unpaid rent

3 days5MCA 70-24-422(2)

If rent is unpaid, the landlord may end the lease if the tenant does not pay within three days after written notice.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. MCA 70-25-202 (2025), Montana Legislatureofficial
  2. MCA 70-24-441 (2025), Montana Legislatureofficial
  3. MCA 7-1-111 (2025), Montana Legislatureofficial
  4. MCA 70-24-312 (2025), Montana Legislatureofficial
  5. MCA 70-24-422 (2025), Montana Legislatureofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.