Montana Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Montana has no rent control. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Montana's landlord-tenant act provides solid protections on deposits, habitability, and retaliation — stronger in some ways than neighboring states.

Montana at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Montana 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. No Montana city may enact rent control. Montana's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (MCA § 70-24-101 et seq.) governs the landlord-tenant relationship statewide.

What Protections Montana Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Montana law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Landlords must return your deposit within 10 days (if no deductions) or 30 days (with an itemized statement). If wrongfully withheld, you may recover the amount withheld, and the court may award the prevailing party attorney fees (MCA § 70-25-204).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (MCA § 70-24-441).

Repairs & Habitability

Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition. After written notice, landlords have 14 days for non-emergency repairs. Tenant remedies include repair-and-deduct (up to $300 or half one month's rent) and lease termination (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).

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Major Cities in Montana

Belgrade — No rent control; Montana state protections apply.
Billings — No rent control; Montana state law applies.
Bozeman — No rent control; Montana state law applies.
Butte — No rent control; Montana state protections apply.
Butte-Silver Bow (balance) — No rent control; Montana state protections apply.
Great Falls — No rent control; Montana state law applies.
Havre — No rent control; Montana state protections apply.
Helena — No rent control; Montana state protections apply.
Kalispell — No rent control; Montana state protections apply.
Livingston — No rent control in Livingston or anywhere in Montana.
Missoula — No rent control; Montana state law applies.

Montana Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Montana renters:

Montana Legal Services Association — Free civil legal aid for low-income Montanans statewide, including housing and eviction defense.
Montana Tenants Network — Tenant education and advocacy resources for Montana renters.
Montana AG – Consumer Protection — State resources for landlord-tenant complaints and housing guidance.

Home | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service