Is my landlord required to provide internet in Montana?

No, unless your lease specifically states that internet is included, landlords in Montana are not required to provide internet service.

What should I do if my apartment's included internet stops working?

Notify your landlord in writing, allow reasonable time for repair, and document all communication for potential follow-up or complaints.

Can I set up my own internet service if it's not included in my Montana apartment?

Yes, tenants may typically arrange and pay for internet if the lease does not prohibit or limit this option.

Who handles rental disputes in Montana?

Rental disputes are handled through Montana Justice Courts.

Where can renters find official Montana complaint forms?

Complaint forms are available from the Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division website.

Internet Responsibilities in Montana Rental Apartments

Utilities, Services & Billing Montana published June 21, 2025

Staying connected is essential, but knowing who's responsible for internet service in Montana apartments can be confusing. This guide breaks down how internet utility responsibilities are determined, what your lease or state law might say, and the steps to take if you have issues accessing or paying for internet service while renting in Montana.

Who Pays For Internet Service in Montana Rentals?

In Montana, internet service is not considered an "essential utility" like water or heat, so responsibility for payment and provision often depends on the rental agreement. Always check your written lease for clear terms about internet:

Included in rent: Some apartments provide internet as part of your rent. Your lease should state this clearly.
Tenant responsibility: In many cases, tenants must set up and pay for their own internet service directly with a provider.
Shared buildings: In multi-unit buildings, landlords may offer a shared network or bulk internet and include the cost as a fee.

Landlords are not generally required by Montana law to provide internet, unless the lease or local housing ordinances specifically state otherwise.

Understanding Lease Terms and Your Rights

The Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act guides most rental agreements in the state.^[1] Leases can set out who arranges and pays for internet. Key things to look for:

Is "internet" listed under utilities or services included?
Are there house rules for installation or equipment?
Is there mention of shared wifi, modem use, or costs?

If something is unclear, ask your landlord for written clarification or a lease addendum.

Changing Internet Service Terms

If your landlord wants to change who pays for internet or restrict service access before your lease ends, those changes usually require your agreement—unless your lease allows such changes. Any adjustments should be documented in writing and signed by both parties.

When Things Go Wrong: Disruptions & Landlord Duties

If your lease guarantees internet as part of your tenancy and you experience outages or disconnection, inform your landlord in writing. For apartments where internet is included, the landlord should address service issues in a reasonable time.

If a landlord refuses to repair or restore a provided service (like included internet), you may be able to file a written complaint or withhold rent—but only after following proper legal steps outlined in Montana law.

If your apartment should include internet, always notify your landlord in writing (email or letter), keep a copy, and allow them a reasonable time to restore service.

Filing a Formal Complaint

If internet service disruption severely affects your rental and your landlord does not act, you may:

File a complaint with the Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division
Consider using the Montana Residential Complaint Form to document your issue

Form: Montana Residential Complaint Form (downloadable PDF)
When to use: If your landlord fails to provide an included utility/service such as internet, and prior written notice to the landlord hasn’t resolved the problem.
Example: Your lease states that internet is included, but service has been off for weeks and landlord isn't responding to your written complaints. File this form with the Housing Division to begin a formal complaint process.

Montana’s Official Tribunal for Rental Disputes

Rental disputes in Montana—such as disagreements about lease terms or services—are handled in Montana Justice Court or the local Montana District Court (Justice Court) system.^[2] If informal resolution fails, tenants can file an action with their local Justice Court for unresolved issues under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Key Legislation for Montana Renters

The main law covering Montana rental rights is the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of 1977.^[1] This law covers landlord and renter obligations, including utility responsibilities and dispute processes.

FAQ: Internet Service in Montana Apartments

Is my landlord required to provide internet?
Typically, Montana landlords are not required to provide internet unless your lease specifically says so. Always check your lease agreement.
Can a landlord restrict the type of internet I get?
Landlords may set reasonable rules about installation or equipment, but cannot prevent you from obtaining lawful services unless your lease places restrictions.
What if my included internet service stops working?
Notify your landlord in writing and allow them a reasonable time to fix the issue. Keep records and consider filing a complaint if there is no response.
Can I set up personal internet service if it’s not included?
Yes. If internet is not provided, tenants may usually arrange service directly with local providers, unless lease or building rules say otherwise.
Where do I go if my landlord doesn’t resolve utility issues?
If informal efforts fail, file a complaint with the Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division or contact your local Justice Court.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Responsibility for internet service in Montana apartments depends on your written lease.
Montana landlords are only obligated to provide internet if agreed in writing.
Document all requests or disputes in writing and use official complaint forms if needed.

Understanding your lease and Montana state law can help you resolve internet service concerns more easily and protect your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division – tenant resources and complaint forms
Montana Justice Court locator – for rental dispute filings
Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – full text and legal explanations
Montana Legal Services Association – free or low-cost legal support for renters