Can my landlord enter my Montana rental with a smart lock anytime?

No. Your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your home, unless there is an emergency.

What should I do if I’m uncomfortable with a smart lock on my rental?

You should communicate your concerns to your landlord in writing, ask for their policy on access, and document any issues.

Who resolves renter–landlord privacy disputes in Montana?

Montana District Courts, and for guidance, the Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Division.

Can I request a traditional key instead of a smart lock?

You may ask your landlord, but they are not required to provide a traditional key as long as you have secure access.

Where can I find Montana’s laws about landlord entry and tenant privacy?

You can review the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for detailed information.

Smart Locks and Tenant Privacy: Montana Renter Rights Explained

Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Montana published June 21, 2025

As Montana apartments and rental homes increasingly feature smart locks and digital entry systems, renters often worry about who has access and how their privacy is safeguarded. If you're a Montana tenant, understanding your privacy rights—including when and how a landlord can enter your home—is essential in today's tech-driven rental landscape. This article breaks down what Montana law says about smart locks, landlord entry, and your options if you have privacy concerns.

Your Right to Privacy in a Montana Rental

Montana law recognizes a renter’s basic right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of their home. Under the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords generally cannot enter your unit without proper notice, except in emergencies.^[1]

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental, unless it’s an emergency like a fire or urgent repair.
Entry is allowed only for approved reasons: repairs, inspections, showing the unit to buyers or future residents, or by your agreement.
They cannot harass you or use smart lock data to monitor your daily life.

Montana tenancy law gives you the right to feel secure in your own home, even as technology changes the way locks and access systems work.

Smart Locks: What Are They and What Do They Mean for Tenants?

Smart locks let landlords and tenants manage entry with digital codes, apps, or access cards—instead of traditional metal keys. While convenient, they create new questions about how much control a landlord has and what data is collected about who comes and goes.

Some smart locks let landlords change codes remotely or track entry logs (times and users).
As a tenant, you have a right to be informed if your lock is replaced with a smart version.
You should receive instructions, codes, or fobs as needed to access your unit easily.
Your landlord should not access entry logs or use smart lock systems in a way that violates your privacy.

If your landlord installs a smart lock, ask how your data will be handled and who will have administrative control.

Landlord Access Rules with Smart Locks

The basic rules for landlord entry in Montana do not change just because a smart lock is in place. Even with digital access, your landlord:

Must still give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entry (except in emergencies).
Cannot enter at unreasonable times (e.g., late at night).
Should not use smart locks to bypass legal notice requirements.

These rights come from Montana's Landlord and Tenant statutes.

If Your Privacy Rights Are Violated: Forms and Action Steps

If you believe your landlord has misused smart locks or entered your rental improperly, you have several options for asserting your rights:

Document incidents: Record the date, time, and details of any unauthorized entries.
Send written notice: Use a formal notice letter explaining your concerns and referencing Montana law.
If unresolved, file a complaint with the appropriate authority.

Official Forms You May Need

Notice to Landlord of Violation of Entry Rights (No designated state form number).
When to use it: If your landlord enters without notice or misuses smart lock technology.
How: Write a letter explaining the incident, cite Montana Code Annotated 70-24-312, and request that unauthorized entries stop. No government-issued form exists, but you may use sample templates from the Montana Legal Services Association.
Complaint to Montana Small Claims Court (Form: Small Claims Complaint).
When to use it: If privacy violations result in loss or damages and informal solutions fail.
How: File the Small Claims Complaint form at your district court. Follow instructions on the official site for your area.

Montana does not require an official state-issued entry notice form from the landlord. If you need to send a notice or complaint, keep a copy for your records.

Key Montana Resources: Tribunal and Official Contacts

The Montana District Courts (Small Claims and Civil) handle most tenant-landlord disputes, including privacy and entry issues.
The Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Division provides information on tenant rights and fair housing.

Consult the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for your detailed legal protections.^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord enter my Montana rental with a smart lock anytime?
No, they must still give you at least 24 hours’ written notice unless there’s an emergency.
What should I do if I’m uncomfortable with a smart lock on my rental?
Communicate with your landlord, ask for written policies on access, and document any concerns or problems. You can send a formal notice if needed.
Who resolves renter–landlord privacy disputes in Montana?
The Montana District Courts handle legal disputes. Issues can also be addressed with the Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Division or, for informal resolution, Montana Legal Services Association.
Can I request a traditional key instead of a smart lock?
You can ask your landlord, but they are not legally required to provide a traditional key. They must, however, ensure you have unimpeded access to your rental.
Where can I find Montana’s laws about landlord entry and tenant privacy?
See the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for details.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Montana law requires landlords to give written notice before entering your home—even with smart locks.
Smart locks do not override your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment.
Document any privacy concerns and use official resources if your rights are violated.

Stay proactive: learn your rights, communicate with your landlord, and use government tools to protect your privacy as technology evolves in Montana rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Montana District Courts – handles legal tenant–landlord disputes
Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Division – information on tenant rights and housing issues
Montana Legal Services Association – free tenant legal help (income eligibility applies)

Montana Code Annotated 70-24-312 (Landlord Entry) and related provisions