Landlord tools · Montana

Montana residential lease agreement.

Everything a Montana lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

No capSecurity deposit cap

30 daysDeposit return deadline

24 hrsEntry notice required

30 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Montana

Montana doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. 10 days if no deductions; 30 days with itemized deductions Returning one now? Use the free Montana deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Montana limits late fees: No hard cap; greater of $20 or 20% of monthly rent deemed reasonable. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. Fee and conditions must be stated in the lease.

Landlord entry and notices

Landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. 24 hours' notice, reasonable times. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (30 days' written notice either party). Rent increases require 30 days' advance notice (Via month-to-month change of terms; no cap on amount). Planning an increase? The free Montana rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Montana lease

Lead-based paint (federal). Pamphlet + known-hazard disclosure required (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Mold disclosure. General mold statement in lease; disclose known mold (Always required.)
Methamphetamine contamination. Written notice if prior meth production contamination is known and unremediated (Required when: if known prior contamination.)
Statement of condition. Signed move-in condition statement required to withhold from deposit (Required when: if deposit collected.)
Landlord/agent identity. Name and address of manager and owner/agent for notices (Always required.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Montana lease

Waiver of Landlord-Tenant Act rights or remedies
Confession of judgment clauses
Clauses limiting landlord liability

Utilities and pets

Utilities: No specific statute; lease should state who pays each utility. Pets: Pet deposits allowed, no statutory limit; no pet fees for service/assistance animals.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Montana?

Montana has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit

How long does a Montana landlord have to return the deposit?

30 days after the tenancy ends. 10 days if no deductions; 30 days with itemized deductions

Are late fees limited in Montana?

Yes — No hard cap; greater of $20 or 20% of monthly rent deemed reasonable. Fee and conditions must be stated in the lease

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Montana?

At least 24 hours, except in emergencies. 24 hours' notice, reasonable times

Does Montana have rent control?

No statewide rent control. No state or local rent control

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Key statutes: Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24 · Mont. Code Ann. § 70-25-202 · Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-312. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.