Housing

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 5, 2025

LC 1282: Require homeowners' associations to seek permission for entry on real property

This bill requires homeowners' associations to obtain explicit permission from property owners before their agents can enter private real property. The legislation mandates that associations must coordinate entry times to suit the owner's convenience and clearly specify which areas they intend to access. Property owners retain the right to be present during any such entry, while public access to common areas like sidewalks remains unaffected. The law defines homeowners' associations as organized groups governing specific geographic areas with authority over assessments and community rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens property rights by requiring HOAs to obtain explicit permission before entering private property, protecting homeowners' privacy and control over their real estate.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 27, 2025

LC 129: Provide income tax credit for renters

This bill creates a new Montana income tax credit for renters with household incomes under $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes. The credit equals the lesser of the amount by which rent-equivalent taxes exceed 4% of gross income or $500, with reduced credit amounts for those earning between $35,000 and $45,000. Renters cannot claim this credit if they also qualify for the elderly residential property tax credit, and any unused credit amount is refunded to the claimant. The legislation also adds the renter's tax credit to a list of tax credits that must be reviewed by the revenue interim committee every eight years starting in 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides income tax credit for low-income renters, offering tax relief and financial support to households under $45,000.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates income tax credit for low-income renters, directly supporting affordable housing by reducing financial burden on tenants.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 26, 2025

LC 879: Revise tenant landlord laws

This bill updates Montana's rental laws by clarifying key definitions used in tenant-landlord agreements and establishing new rules for rent payment methods. It directly affects landlords, tenants, and property managers by standardizing terms like "dwelling unit," "tenant," and "rent payment type" to include cash, check, electronic, and other agreed-upon forms. The legislation prohibits landlords from charging additional fees based on how rent is paid, with the exception of reimbursing tenants for electronic bank fees incurred during payment. By amending specific sections of the Montana Code Annotated, the bill aims to create clearer legal standards for rental transactions across the state.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by standardizing definitions and prohibiting additional fees based on payment methods, advancing fair housing practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 23, 2025

LC 3819: Revise procurement laws to provide priority criteria for certain public assistance and human services contractors

This bill requires Montana state agencies to prioritize certain contractors when awarding contracts for human services, family services, and public assistance programs like housing and energy aid. The law establishes a scoring system that gives extra points to providers with proven experience in the specific geographic area, a longer history of service in the state, strong local partnerships, and a commitment to creating or maintaining in-state jobs. These provisions directly affect government departments responsible for distributing public assistance funds and the organizations competing for those contracts. The bill aims to support local businesses and community-based providers by ensuring they receive favorable consideration during the procurement process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens housing assistance by prioritizing contractors with local experience and job creation commitments, indirectly supporting housing program effectiveness and stability.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill prioritizes contractors committed to creating/maintaining in-state jobs, directly supporting employment standards and local job creation.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 30, 2025

LC 1861: Revise land use laws related to manufactured and factory built homes

This bill revises Montana's land use laws to require that manufactured and factory-built homes be treated the same as other residential properties in zoning regulations. It directly affects local governments, homeowners, and housing developers by mandating equal treatment in zoning districts and establishing a rebuttable presumption that placing these homes will not negatively impact property values. The legislation also updates definitions to include mobile homes and house trailers under manufactured housing, allows manufactured housing as a commercial purpose on state trust land leases, and defines tiny dwelling units as 350 to 750 square feet on permanent foundations. Additionally, the bill clarifies that local design review standards must be clear, objective, and necessary to protect public health or safety.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates equal zoning treatment for manufactured homes, increasing housing options and preventing discriminatory zoning restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 4314: Revise resort tax eligibility and allow use for workforce housing

This bill updates Montana's resort tax laws to allow an additional 1% tax rate on goods and services in designated resort areas, with the revenue specifically designated for infrastructure projects or workforce housing. It directly affects resort communities and areas that rely on tourism, requiring voter approval before any resort tax can be imposed or changed. The legislation also clarifies definitions for key terms like "workforce housing," which must have at least 20% of units available to renters earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income, and expands the population threshold for certain resort areas from 2,500 to 3,500 people.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases funding for workforce housing and infrastructure through designated resort tax revenue, advancing budget priorities for essential community needs.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill designates resort tax revenue specifically for workforce housing infrastructure, directly funding affordable housing initiatives and expanding housing availability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Affordable Housing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 8, 2025

LC 3842: Remove the restriction on inclusionary zoning

This bill removes state-level restrictions that currently prevent Montana cities and towns from requiring developers to pay fees or dedicate land for affordable housing. By repealing specific sections of the Montana Code Annotated, the legislation allows local governments to mandate that housing projects include units for specified income levels or sell at specified prices. The key change eliminates the prohibition on fees and land dedications that were previously in place under state zoning laws. Local municipalities would gain the authority to implement inclusionary zoning policies to address housing affordability within their jurisdictions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes state restrictions on inclusionary zoning, allowing cities to mandate affordable housing units and fees, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 22, 2025

LC 1958: Revise security deposit laws to provide tenants more information and time

This bill amends Montana's security deposit laws to give tenants more time to clean rental units before landlords can deduct cleaning fees from their deposits. It requires landlords to provide written notice listing specific cleaning tasks not completed by the tenant, along with cost estimates and instructions on what needs to be done. Tenants would then have 48 hours to complete the required cleaning after receiving notice, unless they have already vacated without proper notice. The bill also prohibits landlords from charging a separate fee to inspect the cleaning work tenants have completed. These changes apply to all residential tenants and landlords in Montana covered by the state's landlord-tenant laws.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring landlords to provide specific cleaning notices and giving tenants 48 hours to complete cleaning before deductions, advancing tenant rights in housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 1880: Revise resort tax eligibility and allow use for workforce housing

This bill modifies Montana's resort tax laws to allow an additional 1% tax rate on lodging and dining in designated resort areas, with the revenue specifically designated for infrastructure projects or workforce housing. The legislation defines workforce housing as rental properties where at least 20% of units are rent-restricted to households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income. It also updates definitions for resort areas and communities, adjusting population thresholds and clarifying what qualifies as taxable goods and services versus exempt necessities. Local governments in resort communities and areas must still obtain voter approval before implementing or changing resort taxes, maintaining the existing requirement for public consent.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases resort tax revenue specifically designated for workforce housing and infrastructure, advancing state budget goals and funding essential public services.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill designates resort tax revenue specifically for workforce housing, directly funding affordable housing development and protecting housing access for moderate-income households.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds workforce housing for moderate-income workers, addressing housing affordability which supports labor standards and worker stability.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 2352: Revise residential home construction contract laws

This bill establishes that an accepted bid for residential home construction must represent the total amount to be paid unless the parties explicitly agree in writing beforehand that it is not the final price. It directly affects homeowners and contractors by clarifying financial obligations and preventing contractors from increasing costs after a bid has been accepted. The law allows flexibility by permitting written exceptions where both parties agree the bid is not the final amount owed. This change aims to provide greater transparency and predictability in residential construction contracts.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects homeowners from unexpected cost increases, strengthening consumer protection in residential construction and promoting fair housing practices.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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