Tenant behind on rent? Damage beyond wear and tear? Holding over after the lease ended? Describe the situation in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send notices — specific to Montana law.
Get My Montana Action Plan — Free to StartMontana has no limit on deposit amounts and no statutory rent grace period — rent is due as the lease states. The deposit deadline is split: 10 days if the landlord claims no deductions, 30 days with an itemized list of deductions (MCA § 70-25-202). Landlords must give 24 hours' notice before non-emergency entry, and self-help evictions are illegal; a 3-day notice is required before evicting for nonpayment.
30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
Landlords must generally give 24-hour notice before entering, except in emergencies.
No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.
Montana Legal Services Association at 1-800-666-6899. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.