Montana Rent Increase Rules for Mobile Home Park Tenants

Mobile and manufactured home park residents in Montana enjoy specific legal protections regarding rent increases. Understanding the rules, required notices, and where to turn for help is essential if you rent a lot for your mobile home. This guide breaks down Montana’s laws on rent increases in mobile home parks, including notifications, government forms, and your rights as a renter.

Understanding Rent Increases in Montana Mobile Home Parks

If you own your mobile home but rent a lot (space) in a mobile home park, Montana law provides specific rules for when and how your landlord can raise your rent. The goal is to protect renters from unfair or unexpected changes.

Is There a Legal Limit on Rent Increases?

Currently, Montana law does not set a specific cap or percentage limit on rent increases in mobile home parks. Landlords are allowed to raise rent, but they must follow strict notice rules under the Montana Residential Mobile Home Parks Act.^[1]

• Rent may be increased only at the end of your current lease or rental period.
• Rent cannot be increased as a response to a tenant’s complaint or legal action (this is called "retaliatory action").

Required Notice for Rent Increases

Montana law requires landlords to provide at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent increase in a mobile home park. The notice must:

• Be delivered in writing (either personally or by mail)
• State the new amount and the date the increase will take effect

The 90-day rule gives renters time to plan and consider their options.

Sample Timeline Example

If your rent is due monthly on July 1 and your landlord wants to increase your rent, they must deliver written notice by April 2 at the latest for the new rent to start on July 1.

Your Rights Regarding Rent Increases

It’s important to know that:

• Rent increases must apply equally to all tenants in a similar situation—they cannot be targeted at just one resident.
• If you receive a rent increase notice, you are entitled to stay for the rest of your lease term or rental period under the old rent amount.
• If you believe a rent increase is in retaliation for a complaint or exercise of your rights, you may challenge it.

What to Do If You Disagree With a Rent Increase

If you have questions or believe your landlord hasn’t followed the law, you can:

• Request clarification from your landlord in writing
• Contact Montana’s Office of Consumer Protection for assistance
• Consider mediation or file a complaint with a court if you suspect retaliation or improper notice

Relevant Forms for Montana Mobile Home Park Renters

• Mobile Home Park Tenant Complaint Form (Montana Department of Justice)
  When to use: If you believe your landlord has raised your rent unfairly, or violated notice requirements, use this form to file a consumer complaint.
  Mobile Home Park Tenant Complaint Form
• Civil Complaint Form - Justice Court
  When to use: If you want to bring a civil action (such as challenging a retaliatory rent increase) in justice court.
  Montana Justice Court Forms

Always keep copies of any documents or letters you send and receive.

Who Handles Tenant Disputes in Montana?

Montana does not have a specialized housing tribunal or board. Rental disputes, including those about rent increases, are usually handled by the Montana Justice Courts or the local District Court, depending on the issue and amount in question.^[2]

Cite: Montana's Mobile Home Parks Law

All the information above is based on the Montana Residential Mobile Home Parks Act (Title 70, Chapter 33, Montana Code Annotated).^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much can my landlord increase my rent in a Montana mobile home park?
   Montana law does not set a specific dollar or percentage limit, but landlords must give you at least 90 days’ written notice before the increase.
2. Does my landlord have to increase everyone’s rent the same amount?
   Yes. Rent increases must be applied fairly and equally to tenants in similar circumstances.
3. What if I don’t agree with the rent increase?
   You can request written clarification, file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection, or consider mediation or justice court if needed.
4. Can my landlord increase my rent because I complained?
   No. Retaliatory rent increases are not allowed under Montana law. You have protection if you exercise your legal rights.
5. What official form can I use if I think my landlord broke the notice law?
   You can complete and submit the Mobile Home Park Tenant Complaint Form to the Montana Department of Justice.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Montana Mobile Home Park Renters

• Landlords must give 90 days’ written notice of rent increases in mobile home parks.
• No specific cap on the amount, but retaliation is not allowed.
• Use official complaint forms or Montana courts if you need help enforcing your rights.

Knowing the law arms you with confidence and resources if you receive a rent increase notice. Take time to review the notice, understand your options, and seek support if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Montana Office of Consumer Protection – Submit complaints, learn your rights, and get support with mobile home rental issues.
• Montana Justice Courts – Where to file disputes and access official court forms.
• Montana Residential Mobile Home Parks Act – Read the full law protecting mobile home park residents.
• Montana Legal Services Association – Free legal help for eligible renters.

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1. Montana Residential Mobile Home Parks Act (Title 70, Chapter 33, Montana Code Annotated)
2. Montana Justice Courts Official Site

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