Require the refund of rental application fees

This bill requires landlords and property managers in Montana to refund rental application fees to applicants who do not sign a lease agreement, unless specific costs for services actually performed can be deducted. The law mandates that applicants receive written notice detailing how much of the fee covers each service, such as credit checks, and prohibits landlords from keeping fees for services that were not completed. If a landlord wrongfully withholds an application fee, the applicant can sue for damages and potentially recover attorney fees, with the burden of proof for services rendered falling on the landlord. These rules apply to all application fees collected on or after the bill's effective date.