How do I qualify for free legal aid as a renter in Montana?

You generally qualify if your household income meets Montana Legal Services Association's guidelines. Apply online or contact their office for a review.

What are my first steps if I receive an eviction notice?

Read the notice, fill out an 'Answer to Complaint' form if it's a lawsuit, and contact legal aid for help quickly.

How can I formally request repairs from my landlord?

Use Montana's official or sample repair request letter template, send it to your landlord, and keep a copy. If ignored, seek legal help.

Where can I find official Montana tenant forms?

Download free landlord-tenant forms from the Montana Court's landlord/tenant forms webpage.

What law covers rental issues in Montana?

The Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs renter-landlord relations in the state.

Free Legal Aid for Montana Renters: Official Resources

Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Montana published June 21, 2025

If you’re renting in Montana and facing challenges like eviction, rent hikes, or delayed repairs, knowing where to get free legal aid is essential. Montana provides several official resources to help renters understand and protect their rights under state law. This guide outlines where to get help, how to use official forms, and how to connect with legal experts—whether you’re dealing with a difficult landlord or a dispute over your lease.

Understanding Your Rights as a Montana Renter

In Montana, the law that protects renters is the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act[1]. This legislation covers evictions, security deposits, rent increases, repairs, and more. Staying informed helps you make confident decisions if a dispute arises.

The Main Agency for Tenant-Landlord Disputes

In Montana, there isn’t a separate residential tenancy tribunal. Most disputes are handled by local Justice of the Peace (Justice Court) or District Courts, depending on the case. For guidance and complaints, the Montana Department of Commerce – Housing Division is the primary state agency overseeing housing protections and assistance. They also connect renters with legal resources and complaint procedures.

Free Legal Aid for Renters in Montana

Montana residents can access free legal advice and representation through several official avenues:

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA): Provides free legal help for low-income renters dealing with evictions, lease disputes, or discrimination.
Montana Courts—Landlord-Tenant Forms and Self-Help: Official court forms and guidance for renters, including eviction responses and requests for repairs.
State Housing Division: Help with housing assistance, fair housing issues, and complaint referrals.

Official Montana Forms Every Renter Should Know

When you need to take formal action—like responding to an eviction or requesting repairs—using the correct official form is crucial. Here are some commonly used forms:

Answer to Complaint for Possession (Eviction)
When to use: Use this form if you’ve received an eviction lawsuit (also called a "Complaint for Possession") from your landlord. Filing an answer gives your side of the story before the court.
Access the Answer to Complaint forms and instructions.
Example: For instance, if you are served court papers for nonpayment of rent, you can use this form to explain if you disagree or if you’ve already paid what’s owed.
Request for Repairs Letter
When to use: While not an official numbered court form, renters are encouraged to use the sample repair request letter template provided by the Montana Courts or MLSA to formally ask their landlord for needed repairs.
Download the repair request sample letter.
Example: If your heat stops working and it’s not fixed promptly, submit this letter to your landlord and keep a copy as proof.
Rent Demand or Notice to Vacate Forms
When to use: You may receive an official notice to vacate, or may need to respond to one. Montana Law provides model forms for notices and responses.
View tenant notice and response forms here.
Example: If you get a notice to vacate, acting quickly by completing a response form can preserve your legal rights.

Always keep copies of any forms or letters you send, and submit forms according to instructions (either delivering them to your landlord or filing at the appropriate local court).

How Montana Legal Aid Can Help You

Free legal aid services can help with more than just evictions. They also support renters who:

Face unfair rent increases
Are denied repairs or habitability standards
Experience discrimination based on race, disability, or family status
Need guidance on the rental application process

Connecting with MLSA or court self-help centers allows you to ask questions, get assistance with paperwork, or even request an attorney if you qualify based on income.

Tip: Eligibility for free legal aid in Montana usually depends on your income, but everyone can access official court forms and self-help centers for guidance.

Basic Steps for Montana Renters in a Dispute

Here’s a summary of practical actions renters can take if facing a dispute with their landlord:

Document the problem (photos, written requests, repair logs)
Communicate in writing with your landlord using official letters or templates
Submit the correct Montana court form if responding to an eviction or making a formal complaint
Contact Montana Legal Services or a self-help law center for guidance
Appear in court if you receive an official summons—do not ignore court paperwork

Understanding your options and acting quickly are key. Official resources are available even if you’ve never dealt with the legal system before.

Frequently Asked Questions: Montana Renter Legal Aid

How do I qualify for free legal aid as a renter in Montana?
You typically qualify if your household meets certain low-income guidelines. Montana Legal Services Association reviews your application and will guide you on what information to provide.
What should I do if my landlord gives me an eviction notice?
Do not ignore it. Read the notice carefully, complete an "Answer to Complaint for Possession" if you receive court papers, and seek advice from legal aid or a court self-help center as soon as possible.
How can I request urgent repairs from my landlord?
Use an official or sample repair request letter and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't respond, you may have rights under Montana law to escalate the issue, sometimes even to court.
Where can I find more information on my renter rights in Montana?
The Montana Legal Services Association and Montana Department of Commerce websites both have renter guides, legal forms, and official instructions.
What law covers landlord-tenant issues in Montana?
The Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets out your basic rights and responsibilities as a renter.

Key Takeaways: Protecting Yourself as a Montana Renter

Free legal aid is available for renters dealing with disputes, eviction, or repair issues.
Use official forms and always respond quickly to any legal notices.
The Montana Department of Commerce and court self-help centers are your main sources of government-backed information and support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA): Apply online or call 1-800-666-6899 for free legal guidance and representation.
Montana Court Landlord-Tenant Forms: Download forms to respond to eviction, request repairs, or make official complaints.
Montana Department of Commerce – Housing Division: Get information on renter programs, housing help, and fair housing complaints.
Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Read the full text of the law protecting tenant rights in Montana.