Montana landlords must maintain habitable premises, including structural safety, heat, plumbing, and working smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, with repairs required within a reasonable time after tenant notice. They can collect rent per the lease, require security deposits up to one month’s rent, and deduct for damages beyond normal wear or unpaid rent. Landlords need 24 hours’ notice before non-emergency entry and must provide 30 days’ written notice for rent increases.​
Essential Tenant Rights and Obligations
Tenants enjoy privacy, quiet enjoyment, timely repairs, and protection from discrimination or retaliation for asserting rights. They must pay rent on time, keep the property clean, and comply with lease terms; early lease termination requires landlord agreement or exceptions like military relocation. Fixed-term leases bind tenants until end unless violations occur.​
Security Deposits and Termination
Landlords must return deposits or itemize deductions within 10-14 days post-tenancy, covering only lawful charges. Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days’ termination notice (90 days for yearly leases), extended for tenants 62+ or disabled; no termination mid-lease without tenant breach. No statewide rent control or late fee caps exist, but payments must accept standard forms without extra fees.​
Renting vs. Owning Comparison
These laws under the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act balance protections, favoring fair practices over strict controls.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.hemlane.com/resources/montana-tenant-landlord-law/)
[2](https://innago.com/montana-landlord-tenant-laws/)
[3](https://commerce.mt.gov/_shared/housing/Multifamily/ComplianceManual.pdf)
[4](https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-montana)
[5](https://www.leaserunner.com/laws/eviction-process-in-montana)
