Montana · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Montana security deposit law

How much a landlord in Montana can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In Montana, the deposit limit is: no statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends or you hand back the unit (whichever comes first), the landlord must give you a written list of rent due and damage and cleaning charges, together with the rest of the deposit.

deposit limit
No statewide limit
to return a deposit
30 days
deposit penalty
See below

Security deposit in Montana

Limit
no statewide limit
Deadline to return it
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends or you hand back the unit (whichever comes first), the landlord must give you a written list of rent due and damage and cleaning charges, together with the rest of the deposit. If there is no damage, no cleaning needed, no unpaid rent, and you can show no unpaid utilities, the deposit must be returned within 10 days. The landlord may mail it to the new address you give, or your last known address.
Itemized list
Yes, a written list of rent due and damage and cleaning charges, delivered with any refund. Before deducting cleaning charges, the landlord must give you written notice of the cleaning not done, and you get 24 hours to do it (unless you left without notice).
What may be deducted
Damage caused by you, your family or guests; unpaid rent, late charges, utilities, lease penalties and other money owed; and actual cleaning costs (including reasonable landlord labor) to bring the unit back to its move-in condition. Not for normal wear or routine cyclical maintenance. Either side may ask for an inspection in the last week of the tenancy.
Interest
no
Move-in checklist
Yes. A landlord who takes a deposit must give you a separate signed written statement of the unit's condition at move-in, and on your written request a copy of the prior tenant's damage and cleaning list. If not, the landlord cannot charge for damage or cleaning unless it proves by clear and convincing evidence you caused it (MCA 70-25-206).
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
The landlord owes you the amount wrongfully withheld; the court may award attorney's fees to the winner. The landlord has the burden to prove damage. You can sue only after the 30-day (or 10-day) period passes or the landlord denies your claim in writing.
Law
MCA 70-25-101 to 70-25-206

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Montana: The landlord may mail it to the new address you give, or your last known address.
  3. Wait for the deadline: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends or you hand back the unit (whichever comes first), the landlord must give you a written list of rent due and damage and cleaning charges, together with the rest of the deposit.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $7,000. Small claims court in Montana on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for Montana

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

Security deposit demand letter for Montana

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

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.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in Montana

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $7,000.

How to file in Montana

Questions about security deposits in Montana

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Montana?

no statewide limit

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Montana?

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends or you hand back the unit (whichever comes first), the landlord must give you a written list of rent due and damage and cleaning charges, together with the rest of the deposit. If there is no damage, no cleaning needed, no unpaid rent, and you can show no unpaid utilities, the deposit must be returned within 10 days. The landlord may mail it to the new address you give, or your last known address.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Montana?

The landlord owes you the amount wrongfully withheld; the court may award attorney's fees to the winner. The landlord has the burden to prove damage. You can sue only after the 30-day (or 10-day) period passes or the landlord denies your claim in writing.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Montana?

Damage caused by you, your family or guests; unpaid rent, late charges, utilities, lease penalties and other money owed; and actual cleaning costs (including reasonable landlord labor) to bring the unit back to its move-in condition. Not for normal wear or routine cyclical maintenance. Either side may ask for an inspection in the last week of the tenancy.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Montana?

no

What is the small claims limit in Montana?

$7,000.

More for Montana renters

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.