Housing (Renters)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 3403: Revise zoning laws related to the rental of a primary residence

This bill prevents local governments in Montana from banning short-term rentals of a property owner's primary residence, including accessory dwelling units or homes on neighboring lots that share a boundary. It defines a primary residence as a home where the owner lives at least 183 days per year and applies to all county and municipal zoning regulations. The law also amends existing state statutes to limit local zoning authority, ensuring communities cannot impose fees or restrictions that would prevent these specific rental arrangements. Property owners who meet the occupancy requirement can now rent out their homes or nearby properties without local prohibition, regardless of how their jurisdiction is divided into zoning districts.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents local governments from banning short-term rentals of primary residences, increasing housing availability and protecting property rights for homeowners.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 3253: Generally revise residential landlord and tenant laws

This bill revises Montana's residential landlord and tenant laws by updating definitions and requiring a 90-day notice period for changes or termination of rental agreements entered into after one year with a property management company. The legislation directly affects landlords, tenants, and property management companies by clarifying terms such as "property management company," "good faith," and "dwelling unit" to ensure consistent application across the state. Key provisions include establishing what constitutes an emergency situation, defining guest stay limits, and specifying how rent and rental agreements are interpreted. These changes aim to provide clearer legal standards for residential leasing relationships without altering existing rights or obligations for either party.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by clarifying definitions and requiring longer notice periods for rental changes, directly supporting housing stability and tenant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters 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 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 Jan 8, 2025

LC 692: Revise tenant moveout laws

This bill updates Montana's tenant moveout laws to clarify what counts as normal wear and tear, such as small nail holes and scuffs on walls, and limits cleaning deductions to actual professional cleaning costs. It prohibits landlords from charging for repainting or recarpeting when a tenancy lasts two years or more and requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of professional cleaning invoices when deductions are made. The legislation also shortens the time landlords have to notify tenants of security deposit deductions from 30 days to 21 days and clarifies the process for delivering refund notices and lists of damages.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by clarifying wear and tear, limiting cleaning deductions, and prohibiting unfair repainting fees, advancing housing stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 173: Revise property tax rates for certain property

This bill revises Montana's property tax laws to create lower tax rates for owner-occupied residential properties and long-term rentals, while also adjusting rates for certain commercial properties. It establishes specific eligibility requirements, such as requiring owners to live in a principal residence for at least seven months annually and rent out properties for at least 28 days per month over nine months of the year. The legislation includes an automatic qualification process for 2025 and 2026 for properties that previously received tax rebates, with a transition to a formal application system starting in 2027. Property owners must meet current tax payment requirements and can appeal decisions through a designated process outlined in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill lowers property tax rates for owner-occupied homes and long-term rentals, providing tax relief to homeowners and renters while adjusting commercial rates.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill lowers property taxes for owner-occupied homes and long-term rentals, making housing more affordable and protecting residential property owners.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes Renters

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 1666: 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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects tenant rights by requiring landlords to refund application fees, preventing financial barriers to housing applications and strengthening tenant protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 1860: Provide income tax relief for property taxes paid

This bill creates a new Montana tax credit for renters under 62 with household income below $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes, allowing them to claim up to $1,200 or $1,750 depending on their rent-to-income ratio. It also permits qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income when calculating their eligibility for this credit. The legislation increases the residential property tax credit for elderly taxpayers and adjusts the income thresholds where these credits begin to phase out. Additionally, the bill schedules periodic reviews of various state tax credits starting in 2025 to assess their effectiveness and impact on taxpayers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides income tax relief for renters and elderly taxpayers, directly addressing tax policy to reduce financial burden on specific groups.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income for tax credit eligibility, providing financial relief to educators.70% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits for renters and elderly property owners, directly supporting affordable housing and tenant financial relief.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Credits Landlords Property Taxes Renters

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