Montana · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Montana tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Montana must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

The landlord must keep the unit fit and habitable, follow building and housing codes affecting health and safety, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and supplied appliances working, provide trash receptacles, supply running and hot water and reasonable heat from October 1 to May 1, and install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (MCA 70-24-303).

Repair and deduct
Allowed (with conditions)
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
24 hours

Repairs in Montana

The landlord's duty
The landlord must keep the unit fit and habitable, follow building and housing codes affecting health and safety, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and supplied appliances working, provide trash receptacles, supply running and hot water and reasonable heat from October 1 to May 1, and install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (MCA 70-24-303).
How to ask for repairs
Give the landlord written notice of the problem. To end the lease: notice that it will end at least 30 days later if not fixed within 14 days; in an emergency, you may end the lease if the landlord does not fix it within 3 working days after written notice (MCA 70-24-406).
Repair and deduct
Allowed for problems affecting health and safety: after you notify the landlord (do it in writing), if the landlord does not repair within a reasonable time, you may make repairs costing no more than one month's rent and deduct the cost from rent. Emergency repairs must be done by a qualified person (MCA 70-24-406(1)(b)).
Withholding rent
not allowed (no rent escrow statute).
Law
MCA 70-24-303, 70-24-406

Landlord entry in Montana

At least 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times, except in an emergency or if impracticable. Posting the notice on your main entry door counts. The landlord may not use entry to harass you (MCA 70-24-312).

Retaliation in Montana

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or file or threaten eviction because you complained to a code agency, complained to the landlord in writing about repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation (not if you complained after notice of a rent increase). Remedies: as for lockouts, up to 3 months' rent or treble damages, and a defense to eviction (MCA 70-24-431).

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Montana: Give the landlord written notice of the problem.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Montana

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Montana's rule on asking for repairs:Give the landlord written notice of the problem. To end the lease: notice that it will end at least 30 days later if not fixed within 14 days; in an emergency, you may end the lease if the landlord does not fix it within 3 working days after written notice (MCA 70-24-406).

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Montana

Questions about repairs in Montana

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Montana?

Give the landlord written notice of the problem. To end the lease: notice that it will end at least 30 days later if not fixed within 14 days; in an emergency, you may end the lease if the landlord does not fix it within 3 working days after written notice (MCA 70-24-406).

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Montana?

Allowed for problems affecting health and safety: after you notify the landlord (do it in writing), if the landlord does not repair within a reasonable time, you may make repairs costing no more than one month's rent and deduct the cost from rent. Emergency repairs must be done by a qualified person (MCA 70-24-406(1)(b)).

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Montana?

not allowed (no rent escrow statute).

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Montana?

At least 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times, except in an emergency or if impracticable. Posting the notice on your main entry door counts. The landlord may not use entry to harass you (MCA 70-24-312).

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Montana?

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or file or threaten eviction because you complained to a code agency, complained to the landlord in writing about repairs, or joined a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation (not if you complained after notice of a rent increase). Remedies: as for lockouts, up to 3 months' rent or treble damages, and a defense to eviction (MCA 70-24-431).

More for Montana renters

Repairs in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.