Great Falls renters benefit from Montana's landlord-tenant law — which is stronger than many neighboring states — providing clear rules on deposits, repairs, and retaliation even without rent control. Here is what every Great Falls tenant needs to know.·Actualizado June 2026
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Puntos Clave
Control de renta: None — Montana law bars local rent control statewide (MCA § 7-1-111(26), added by 2023 HB 463); no city may enact it.
Depósito de garantía: Returned within 10 days (no deductions) or 30 days (with an itemized statement); if wrongfully withheld, the tenant may recover the amount withheld plus attorney fees at the court's discretion (MCA §§ 70-25-202, 70-25-204).
Aviso de desalojo: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice to terminate the tenancy (MCA § 70-24-441).
Desalojo con causa justa: Montana does not require just cause to terminate a lease at expiration. Landlords must go through the court eviction process.
Recursos locales: Montana Legal Services Association (montanalegal.org), Great Falls Housing Authority, Montana Fair Housing (mtfairhousing.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Great Falls
Great Falls is the seat of Cascade County and one of Montana's largest cities. Renters in Great Falls are governed by the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which provides stronger protections in some areas than neighboring states — particularly on security deposit timelines, repair-and-deduct rights, and retaliation. There is no rent control in Montana, and landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Understanding your rights under state law is the key to protecting yourself as a renter in Great Falls.
2. Does Great Falls Have Rent Control?
Great Falls has no rent control, and Montana has no statewide rent control law. Montana law also bars local rent control: MCA § 7-1-111(26) (added by 2023 HB 463) denies local governments any power to control the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, but must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy (MCA § 70-24-441). Review your lease for any notice requirements that may exceed the statutory minimum.
3. Montana State Tenant Protections That Apply in Great Falls
Montana's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides the following key protections for Great Falls tenants:
Security Deposit: Landlords must return your deposit within 10 days if there are no deductions, or within 30 days with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus $100 or 25% of one month's rent (whichever is greater) as additional damages (MCA § 70-25-202).
Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable conditions. After written notice, landlords have 14 days for non-emergency repairs. Tenants may repair-and-deduct up to $300 or half one month's rent, or terminate the lease (MCA § 70-24-406).
Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot raise rent or initiate eviction in retaliation for tenants reporting code violations or exercising legal rights (MCA § 70-24-431).
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord who changes your locks or shuts off utilities to force you out may be liable for actual damages (MCA § 70-24-411).
4. Security Deposit Rules in Great Falls
Under MCA § 70-25-202, your landlord must return your security deposit within 10 days if no deductions are made, or within 30 days with a written, itemized statement of deductions. If the landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of your deposit, you are entitled to recover the amount wrongfully withheld, and the court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees (MCA § 70-25-204). Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. Montana law does not cap the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photos and a written checklist to protect yourself from unjust deductions.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Great Falls
To evict a tenant in Great Falls, a landlord must first provide written notice. For nonpayment of rent, that is 3 days' written notice to pay or vacate (MCA § 70-24-422). For a month-to-month tenancy termination, at least 30 days' written notice is required (MCA § 70-24-441). If you do not comply, the landlord must file for eviction in Cascade County Justice Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and writ of possession may the constable remove you. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings — is prohibited under MCA § 70-24-411.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Great Falls, MT and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization.
Verifica tu dirección
Averigua si tu vivienda está cubierta por el control de renta o las protecciones para inquilinos.
No. Great Falls has no rent control ordinance, and Montana has no statewide rent control law. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Great Falls?
There is no limit on rent increases in Great Falls or anywhere in Montana. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy (MCA § 70-24-441). Check your lease for any specific notice requirements.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Great Falls?
Your landlord must return your deposit within 10 days if there are no deductions, or within 30 days with a written itemized statement (MCA § 70-25-202). Wrongful withholding entitles you to the withheld amount plus $100 or 25% of one month's rent in additional damages — whichever is greater.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Great Falls?
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give 3 days' written notice to pay or vacate (MCA § 70-24-422). For a month-to-month tenancy termination, at least 30 days' written notice is required (MCA § 70-24-441). The landlord must then file in Cascade County Justice Court if you do not vacate.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Great Falls?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Montana. A landlord who changes your locks or shuts off utilities to force you out may be liable for your actual damages (MCA § 70-24-411). Contact Montana Legal Services Association immediately if this occurs.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Great Falls?
Send your repair request in writing and keep a copy. Under MCA § 70-24-406, landlords must make non-emergency repairs within 14 days of written notice. If they fail, you may repair-and-deduct up to $300 or half one month's rent, or terminate the lease. You can also contact Great Falls' code enforcement to report housing violations.
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