Housing (Tenant Rights)

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 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 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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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 Feb 24, 2025

LC 4039: Revise landlord and tenant laws

This bill revises Montana's landlord and tenant laws to clarify protections for invitees who have not established a formal rental relationship, allowing owners to request law enforcement remove unauthorized occupants. It establishes specific timelines for eviction hearings, requiring courts to hear possession cases within 10 business days for most violations or 5 days for certain noncompliance issues. The legislation also sets a 45-day limit for resolving damage claims and mandates that eviction writs be executed by the sheriff within 5 business days after a landlord wins a possession case. Additionally, it defines what counts as valid authorization to occupy property, including written rental agreements or verified verbal permission from landlords or tenants.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill strengthens landlord powers and speeds up evictions, which weakens tenant protections and reduces housing stability for renters75% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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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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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 975: Creating the private property protection act

This bill establishes the Private Property Protection Act to strengthen private property rights by limiting government restrictions on property use. It requires that any law or regulation restricting private property must be necessary and narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest in public health or safety. Property owners can sue in court to challenge restrictions that violate these requirements, and if they win, the court will stop enforcement and award attorney fees. The law applies to all state and local government actions but excludes nuisance abatement, permit enforcement, and court-ordered actions.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill limits government restrictions on property use and requires regulations to be narrowly tailored, which could weaken environmental protections and conservation requirements.85% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill limits government restrictions on property use, which could reduce tenant protections and affordable housing development by weakening regulatory oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 3243: Provide tax credit to landlords that rent for below market rate

This bill creates a Montana income tax credit for landlords who rent residential properties at rates below the local fair market value. Landlords can claim $2 for every $100 their rent is under 110% of the county's fair market rent, with a maximum credit limited to their annual tax liability. To qualify, properties must have lease terms of at least one year, meet federal housing quality standards, and not already participate in other rent-limiting programs. The credit can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used, and the bill requires landlords to submit proof of rent amounts and lease agreements when claiming the benefit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits to landlords for below-market rent, promoting affordable housing and fiscal incentives for community benefit.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits to landlords for below-market rent, directly increasing affordable housing availability and protecting tenant access to affordable units.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Landlords Tenant Rights

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