Montana security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Montana law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
30 days
Max penalty
Full deposit
Small claims limit
$7,000.00
The deadline
Under Mont. Code § 70-25-202, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after you move out (10 days if no deductions are claimed).
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Recovery of deposit; 10 days if no deductions.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Mont. Code § 70-25-202, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Montana small claims court (up to $7,000.00) if they don't.
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We'll check your dates and every deduction against Montana law and show what you're owed.
Run Montana auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.