State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Your landlord's deductions may not hold up under state law.
Montana Security Deposit Laws
Under Montana Code § 70-25-201, Montana landlords must return security deposits within 30 days (10 days if no deductions) of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Actual damages; forfeiture of deposit claim if bad faith.
Quick Answer
In Montana, landlords have 30 days (10 days if no deductions) to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $7,000) and may recover Actual damages; forfeiture of deposit claim if bad faith under Montana Code § 70-25-201. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Received deductions from your landlord?
Check if they violate Montana law
Upload your landlord's deduction letter · PDF, JPG, or PNG — a phone photo works
What Montana Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days (10 days if no deductions) to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Actual damages; forfeiture of deposit claim if bad faith. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $7,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Your landlord was required to follow these rules exactly. If they didn't, you may be owed your full deposit back — plus penalties. A formal letter citing the applicable rule and documenting the amount is harder to ignore than a phone call. Upload their deduction letter to find out.
Upload your landlord's deduction letter · PDF, JPG, or PNG — a phone photo works
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,5005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Heating System
Typical: $200-60015-year useful life per IRS Publication 527. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
How It Works
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Drop in your landlord's deduction letter — about 30 seconds, no account.
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Our AI checks each deduction against Montana law and HUD guidelines — free.
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See how much may be recoverable. A court-ready demand letter is optional if you decide to act.
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Get a Demand Letter That Cites These Laws
Our tool analyzes your landlord's deductions against Montana Code § 70-25-201 and federal HUD guidelines, then generates a formal demand letter you can send immediately.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
What you'll see before you decide
A document-specific answer, not a generic promise:
- The amount at issue, itemized
- The rules or contract terms that appear applicable
- What looks strong, weak, or needs more evidence
Free analysis first. The optional letter comes after you see the result.
Upload your landlord's deduction letter · PDF, JPG, or PNG — a phone photo works
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Check each deduction against Montana law, including Montana Code § 70-25-201, and see what may be disputable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Montana landlord have to return my deposit?
If no deductions: 10 days. With deductions: 30 days with itemized statement.
Do I have inspection rights in Montana?
Yes. Montana tenants can request a move-out inspection. This helps document conditions and prevent unfair deductions.
Is there a deposit limit in Montana?
No statutory limit, but excessive deposits may be challenged.
Have your landlord's deduction letter handy?
Upload your landlord's deduction letter · PDF, JPG, or PNG — a phone photo works
How much can I recover in Montana for a wrongful deposit withholding?
Montana allows recovery of actual damages plus court costs under MCA § 70-25-201. Bad-faith withholding can result in forfeiture of the landlord's entire deduction claim. Justice Court (small claims) handles disputes up to $7,000.
Official Resources
- Montana Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Montana Legal Services(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Montana's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
Find the Improper Charges in Your Montana Deductions
Your Montana landlord had 30 days to return your deposit — see whether they met every requirement.
Upload your landlord's deduction letter · PDF, JPG, or PNG — a phone photo works
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Average Montana deposit: $1,100 · Montana Code § 70-25-201 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527