Housing (Renters)

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 225: Provide income tax credit for renters

SB 225 would create a refundable income tax credit for Montana renters with household income under $45,000. The credit equals the lesser of 4% of rent paid above household income or $500, phasing out completely for incomes of $45,000 or more. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters who pay rent in Montana, providing a refund even if they owe no income tax. The bill also amends tax code sections to include this credit in regular review cycles and prohibits claiming it alongside the existing elderly property tax credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides refundable tax credit for low-income renters ($45k income cap), directly reducing tax burden and increasing disposable income for housing costs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides refundable tax credit to low-income renters ($45k income cap), directly increasing housing affordability and reducing rent burden for vulnerable tenants.95% confidence

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

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 304: Revise security deposit laws to provide tenants more information and time

HB 304 revises residential tenant security deposit laws, directly affecting both landlords and tenants. The bill requires landlords to provide tenants with an itemized written notice of any unaccomplished cleaning and estimated costs before deducting cleaning charges from a security deposit. Tenants are then given 48 hours, extended from 24, to complete the necessary cleaning. Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from charging a fee for inspecting the cleaning tenants have completed within this timeframe.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring itemized cleaning notices and extending 48-hour window to address deductions, directly advancing tenant rights under housing topic.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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vetoed · Montana · House Jul 23, 2025

HB 831: Increase elderly homeowner and renter income tax credit

HB 831 increases Montana's elderly homeowner and renter income tax credit to help low-to-moderate-income seniors. It raises the maximum credit from $1,150 to $1,400 and increases the household income threshold for eligibility from $35,000 to $50,000 before the credit phases out. The bill also requires annual inflation adjustments to maintain the credit's value and applies retroactively to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. This directly benefits Montanans aged 65+ who own or rent homes and meet the updated income limits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credit for low-to-moderate-income seniors, expanding eligibility and providing direct tax relief through higher credit amounts and income thresholds.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases tax credit for elderly homeowners/renters, expanding affordability for low-to-moderate-income seniors in housing through higher credit amounts and income thresholds.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Homeownership Property Taxes Renters

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died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HB 154: Establish a housing fairness tax credit

HB 154 would have created a new tax credit for Montana renters and homeowners with household incomes under $150,000. The credit would equal 75% of either property taxes paid (for homeowners) or 15% of rent paid (for renters), minus an income-based percentage (ranging from 1% to 9.5%). To qualify, residents needed to have lived in Montana for at least 9 months and occupied a home or rental for 6 months during the tax year. The bill died in committee in May 2025 without becoming law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit reducing burden for renters/homeowners under $150k income, aligning with tax relief for middle/lower income.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credit reducing housing costs for low-income renters/homeowners, directly advancing affordable housing access and financial relief for qualifying residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes Renters

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 878: Authorize additional funding for coal trust loan program for housing

HB 878 proposes to increase the funding available for housing loans for low-income and moderate-income individuals in Montana. It authorizes the Board of Housing to administer an additional $50 million, raising its total from $65 million to $115 million, from the permanent coal tax trust fund. These funds are specifically designated for providing loans to develop and preserve homes and apartments for eligible persons. The bill also outlines project requirements, such as loans being for multifamily rental housing projects and adhering to specific interest rate guidelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases housing loan funding by $50M from coal tax trust fund, directing existing tax revenues to public housing program.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases $50M funding for low/moderate-income housing loans via coal trust fund, directly advancing affordable housing access and development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Renters

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 126: Revise tenant moveout laws

SB 126 would revise Montana's tenant moveout laws by clarifying what constitutes normal wear (like small nail holes or normal carpet wear), limiting landlords' cleaning charges to professional cleaner costs, and prohibiting deductions for carpeting or repainting after a 2-year tenancy. It requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of a professional cleaner's bill if used and shortens the timeline for refunding security deposits from 30 to 21 days after move-out. The bill also mandates written notice before imposing cleaning charges and restricts deductions to actual damages beyond normal wear. This directly affects tenants (who pay security deposits) and landlords (who manage those deposits).

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStrengthens tenant protections by limiting unjustified deductions, requiring professional cleaner bills, and expediting security deposits - directly advancing housing affordability and tenant rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 311: Require the refund of rental application fees

HB 311 requires landlords and property managers to refund residential rental application fees to applicants who do not ultimately sign a rental agreement. Landlords may deduct costs for specific services actually performed, such as a credit check, if the applicant was given written notice of these allocated costs when the fee was collected. However, they cannot retain fees for services not performed or for their own time. If an application fee is wrongfully withheld, an applicant can take civil action to recover the amount, with potential for attorney fees.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates refund of unperformed rental application fees, directly protecting tenants from financial burden and strengthening tenant rights per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 306: Provide tax credit to landlords that rent for below market rate

HB 306 would have created an income tax credit for property owners, including individuals and corporations, who rent out dwellings in Montana for less than 110% of the fair market rent for their county. The credit amount would be $200 for each $100 difference between 110% of fair market rent and the actual monthly rent charged. To qualify, a dwelling would need a lease of at least one year and meet specific housing quality standards. This credit could be carried forward for up to three years if not fully utilized.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for landlords (primarily wealthy property owners), aligning with 'creates tax breaks primarily for wealthy' indicator per topic guidelines.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides tax credit to landlords for below-market rents, directly incentivizing affordable housing by reducing tenant costs through financial incentives to property owners.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 305: Establish the mobile home park dispute resolution program

HB 305 sought to establish the Montana Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program, administered by the Department of Commerce, to help mobile home landlords and tenants resolve disputes. The program would provide educational materials on rights and responsibilities and allow either party to file complaints regarding alleged violations. The Department would investigate complaints, facilitate negotiations, and make determinations, with the power to impose remedies like fines or orders for rent refunds. The bill also required mobile home parks to register, pay fees to fund the program, and provide notice before a park's sale.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates dispute resolution program for mobile home park tenants, strengthening tenant protections in affordable housing through complaint mechanisms and remedies.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 421: Require the refund of certain residential lease application fees

SB 421 would require landlords to refund residential lease application fees within 20 days if a tenant does not sign a rental agreement. It directly affects tenants who pay application fees and landlords/managers who collect them. Key provisions include allowing landlords to deduct only verified out-of-pocket costs (like credit checks, capped at $25) for services actually performed, mandating written fee breakdowns at collection, and permitting tenants to sue for wrongful withholding with attorney fees. The bill aims to prevent landlords from keeping fees for unperformed services or vague charges. (Note: This bill died in process on May 23, 2025, per recent actions.)

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlord refunds of application fees, caps costs, mandates written breakdowns, and enables tenant lawsuits - directly strengthens tenant protections in housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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