Montana Eviction Prevention Funds: How Renters Can Get Help

Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Montana published June 21, 2025 Flag of Montana

Facing eviction or struggling to pay rent can be overwhelming for Montana renters. Fortunately, Montana offers several eviction prevention funds and rental assistance programs to help keep tenants in their homes. This guide explains your options, how to qualify, and where to find crucial resources, all based on the latest state laws and official sources.

Understanding Eviction Prevention Funds and Assistance Programs

Eviction prevention funds are emergency rental assistance programs created to help Montana tenants pay overdue rent or utility bills and avoid losing their housing. These programs are managed by state and local agencies and may provide:

  • Direct payment to landlords for unpaid rent
  • Help with past-due utility bills
  • Legal advice or mediation services
  • Referrals to other support services for renters

If you have received an eviction notice or risk falling behind on rent, applying quickly can help prevent court-ordered eviction and keep your home secure.

How Montana's Emergency Rental Assistance Works

The Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) assists eligible low-income renters facing financial hardship. It recently closed to new applications in 2023, but local aid, legal resources, and limited funds may still be available through community agencies and tribal programs.

Speak with your local housing authority or 2-1-1 for the latest status and referral to resources in your county.

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Who Qualifies for Assistance?

To access most Montana rental assistance or eviction prevention funds, you typically must:

  • Be a renter in Montana
  • Have income at or below area median levels
  • Have experienced financial hardship or lost income (for example, due to illness or job loss)
  • Be at risk of homelessness or housing instability (such as owing back rent or having received an eviction notice)

Individual programs may have slightly different requirements, so check with your local resource for details.

Key Forms for Renters Seeking Assistance

Several official forms and notices can help you as you navigate Montana’s rental assistance process or respond to an eviction threat:

  • Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Online Application
    (Formerly at apply.mt.gov, program now closed, but site links to resources)
    When Used: To formally request rent and utility aid from state funds. If applications reopen or new funding is announced, use the official online portal to apply. Example: Jessie receives a termination notice because she owes two months' rent, applies within two days for state assistance using the online form.
  • "Demand for Compliance or Possession" Notice (Montana Form 3-Day Notice to Quit)
    Montana Judicial Branch Housing Forms
    When Used: If your landlord serves this notice for nonpayment of rent, you may use proof of assistance application, payment receipt, or legal response to stop the eviction. Example: Nora receives a 3-day notice and immediately files for local rental assistance while notifying her landlord.
  • Tenant’s Written Response to Eviction
    Montana Tenant Court Forms
    When Used: If an eviction summons is issued, submit this as your reply to the court, ideally noting any pending rental assistance. Example: David receives an eviction filing and provides written proof he has applied for assistance.

For all eviction-related court matters, visit the Montana Justice and City Courts website for more information on filing and deadlines.

What Agency Handles Tenant-Landlord Matters?

In Montana, most residential eviction cases and disputes are handled by the Montana Justice and City Courts. These local courts oversee landlord-tenant filings and eviction proceedings. For general questions about rental rights, the Montana Department of Commerce – Renters Resource Center is a helpful state resource.

Montana Tenant Protections under State Law

Montana’s main law governing rental relationships is the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 70, Chapter 24, Montana Code Annotated)1. This law sets out:

  • Notice periods for eviction
  • Procedures for rent nonpayment
  • Tenant and landlord responsibilities
If you receive an eviction notice, applying for rental assistance and informing your landlord in writing can sometimes pause or prevent the eviction process.

Action Steps if You’re at Risk of Eviction

Here are actionable steps Montana renters should take at the first sign of rental trouble or an eviction threat:

Quick action can keep you safely housed and strengthen your position in any legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do if I've received an eviction notice but already applied for rental assistance?
    Notify your landlord in writing that you have applied for rental assistance. Provide proof of your application if possible and file a written response with the court if you're served with an eviction summons.
  2. Are there any emergency housing funds in Montana right now?
    While the main statewide program has closed, some local agencies and tribal governments may still have limited emergency assistance. Contact your local housing authority or the Renters Resource Center for options.
  3. How can I stop an eviction after getting a 3-day notice to pay or vacate?
    Pay the overdue amount, show the landlord written proof of a pending assistance application, or file a tenant’s response with the appropriate court if the eviction proceeds.
  4. Can rental assistance help with utility shut-offs?
    Some Montana rental assistance programs may also help pay utility bills owed during your tenancy. Ask your local program for available help.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Home in Montana

  • Montana renters facing eviction should apply for assistance and respond quickly to court notices.
  • Several legal and financial resources still exist even after some programs have closed.
  • Acting early can pause eviction, preserve your rights, and improve your housing security.

Staying informed and reaching out to official support sources are your best tools to prevent eviction in Montana.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 70, Chapter 24, Montana Code Annotated)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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