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Montana

Montana Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notices, rent control, and more for Montana.

How we research these summaries

Every rule on this page is drawn from state statutes and municipal codes and summarized with AI assistance. Each one cites the statute it's based on and links to a published text of that law so you can read it firsthand. Where a page says a city or county has no local rule on a topic, that means none was found for the topics covered here — not that none exists. Local governments also regulate rental housing in ways these pages don't track, including registration, licensing, inspections and habitability standards. These summaries may be incomplete or out of date, laws change often, and every property and tenancy has specifics a summary can't capture — so treat this as a starting point for your own research, not as legal advice, and check with the local jurisdiction and a qualified attorney before acting on your particular situation.

What to Know in Montana

Sources last checked July 2026

Montana sets no statutory cap on security deposits, leaving landlords free to charge any amount they consider reasonable, and requires deposits back within 30 days of move-out under MCA §§ 70-25-201 and -202. Rent increases on a month-to-month tenancy need only 15 days' written notice before the current month ends, under MCA § 70-26-109 — shorter than the 30-day notice Montana requires to terminate that same tenancy. Nonpayment eviction requires just a 3-day notice to pay or vacate, and Montana has no rent control at the state or local level.

  • 3-day notice required before eviction for nonpayment of rent
  • 30-day move-out notice required for month-to-month tenancies
  • Montana has no statewide rent control law and does not limit the amount by which a landlord may increase rent.
  • Montana does not have a specific standalone statute mandating a notice period solely for rent increases.
  • Montana does not impose a statutory maximum on security deposit amounts.
5 rules summarized · Each linked to the law it cites

Security Deposit Limits

Security Deposit Limits

What is the security deposit limit in Montana?

Montana does not impose a statutory maximum on security deposit amounts. Landlords may charge any amount they deem appropriate, though the amount must be reasonable and stated clearly in the lease agreement. Market practice typically ranges from one to two months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the premises, or within 10 days if no deductions are made. Failure to comply may result in the landlord being liable for the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees.

MCA § 70-25-201, § 70-25-202

Eviction Notice Requirements

Eviction Notice Requirements

What are the eviction notice requirements in Montana?

Montana requires specific written notice before a landlord may terminate a tenancy. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must provide a 3-day written notice to pay or vacate. For curable lease violations, a 14-day notice to cure or quit is required. For serious or repeated violations (such as unauthorized occupants or verbal abuse), a 3-day unconditional quit notice applies. For month-to-month tenancies terminated without cause, at least 30 days' written notice is required. After notice expires without compliance, the landlord may file a formal eviction action in Montana district or justice court.

MCA § 70-24-422, § 70-24-441

Rent Increase Notice Periods

Rent Increase Notice Periods

How much notice is required for rent increases in Montana?

Montana does not have a specific standalone statute mandating a notice period solely for rent increases. However, under MCA § 70-26-109, for month-to-month tenancies, a landlord may change the terms of the lease—including rent—by providing written notice at least 15 days before the expiration of the current month. Many practitioners and courts treat a 30-day notice as best practice for month-to-month rent increases to align with the 30-day termination notice standard under MCA § 70-24-441. Rent increases cannot take effect mid-term on fixed-term leases.

MCA § 70-26-109

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Is there rent control in Montana?

Montana has no statewide rent control law and does not limit the amount by which a landlord may increase rent. Landlords may raise rent by any amount at any time, provided they give adequate advance notice as required for month-to-month tenancies. Local governments in Montana do not have authority to enact rent control ordinances. There are no caps on rent increases for any residential property type in Montana.

MCA Title 70, Chapter 24

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

What is the move-out notice requirement in Montana?

Under MCA § 70-24-441, either a landlord or tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving at least 30 days' written notice before the date of termination. For week-to-week tenancies, at least 7 days' written notice is required. Fixed-term leases terminate automatically at the end of the lease period unless renewed. The notice must be in writing and clearly state the date on which the tenancy will end. Written notice may include handwritten letters, texts, or emails that sufficiently communicate the termination.

MCA § 70-24-441

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