Is rent control legal in Montana?

No, Montana currently prohibits rent control. State law does not allow for rent caps or local rent control measures.

How much notice must my landlord give before raising rent?

Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease.

Can my landlord raise my rent by any amount?

Yes, there is no state-imposed limit on how much rent can be increased in Montana.

Where do I find official forms if I want to respond to a rent increase?

Official forms for notices and complaints can be found on the Montana Courts website.

How do I keep track of changes to renter laws in Montana?

Check the Montana Legislature’s official website for bill tracking and legislative updates.

Will Montana Adopt Rent Control? What Renters Should Know

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Montana published June 21, 2025

Renters in Montana are increasingly concerned about rising housing costs and the potential for rent control legislation. Understanding what this could mean for you is important, even though Montana does not have statewide rent control. In this article, we’ll explain Montana’s current rental laws, explore the likelihood of new rent control legislation, and help you stay informed about your rights as a renter.

How Does Montana Handle Rent Regulation Now?

As of this year, Montana does not have any rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can generally increase rent by any amount, at any time, once the rental term ends—provided they give proper notice. The key state law governing this is the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases on month-to-month leases.
There is no cap on how much rent can be raised.
Rent control is currently prohibited by Montana state law; local city or county governments cannot enact such measures on their own.

This legal landscape makes it important for renters to be vigilant and informed.

What Is Rent Control—and Could Montana Change Its Laws?

Rent control refers to laws that limit how much landlords can increase rent, aiming to protect tenants from sudden price hikes. While major cities in California and New York have some form of rent control, most states—including Montana—do not have these laws in place.

Recently, there has been increasing discussion in Montana’s legislature about rising rents, affordable housing, and protections for tenants. However, as of 2024, no official rent control proposals have passed or are pending.

What Might the Future Hold?

Advocacy groups and some lawmakers are urging consideration of tenant protections, like notice requirements, mediation, and rental assistance—not strictly rent control.
Montana’s laws would need to change at the state level to enable any form of rent caps.

If you rent in Montana, keep an eye out for updates from official state legislative resources. For now, your best protection is to know your rights and what landlords must do before increasing rent.

Your Rights as a Montana Renter

Understanding your legal protections can help you handle changes in rent or potentially unfair practices. Here’s what you need to know:

Written Notice: Landlords must provide written notice for any rent increase at least 30 days before the start of the next rental period for month-to-month renters.
Leases: If you have a fixed-term lease (such as one year), your rent cannot be increased until the lease ends, unless the lease agreement states otherwise.
Disputes: While there is no specific rent control board in Montana, the Montana Courts - Civil Division handle disputes between renters and landlords, including rent disputes and eviction proceedings.

Key Official Forms and How to Use Them

Notice to Vacate (Form):
- When to use: If your landlord increases the rent and you decide not to accept it, Montana law lets you end your month-to-month lease by giving written notice (generally 30 days).
- Example: You receive a rent increase notice and cannot afford the new amount. You complete and deliver the Notice of Intent to Terminate Tenancy form to your landlord.
Complaint for Possession/Unlawful Detainer (Form):
- When to use: If you believe an eviction is not justified or you have not received proper notice, you may respond using this complaint form through the Montana Civil Courts.
- Example: Your landlord attempts to evict you for nonpayment after a sudden rent increase but did not give proper notice—you can use this form to protect your rights.

Keep all written communication and make copies of any notices or forms for your records. If in doubt, contact a legal aid service for assistance.

Legislation and Who Oversees Rental Issues

The main law regarding residential renting in Montana is the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of 1977.^[1] If you need to resolve a dispute, contact the Montana Courts – Civil Division, which is the official body handling landlord-tenant matters.

Staying Informed About Changes

While there are no current rent control laws, Montana renters should monitor legislative sessions for updates. The Montana Legislature is the official source for bill tracking, hearings, and public comment opportunities. Signing up for notifications or checking recent activity can keep you prepared for possible changes that may affect your rights as a renter.

FAQs: Montana Renters and Rent Control

Is rent control legal in Montana?
Currently, Montana law prohibits rent control and does not allow local cities to enact their own rent control rules.
How much notice must my landlord give before raising rent?
For month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase.
Can my landlord raise my rent by any amount?
Yes, under current Montana law, there is no cap or restriction on the amount a landlord can increase rent, as long as proper notice is given.
If I can't afford a rent increase, what can I do?
You may terminate your lease with proper notice, or reach out to the Montana Civil Courts if your landlord fails to follow legal notice requirements.
Where can I learn about proposed changes to rent laws?
Check the official Montana Legislature website for bill tracking and updates on housing legislation.

Key Takeaways for Montana Renters

Montana has no rent control, and statewide rent increases are legal with proper notice.
Written notice is always required before rent increases for most leases.
Monitor state legislation for any changes that could introduce new renter protections.

Staying informed and prepared helps you assert your rights and respond confidently to rent increases or disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Montana

Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Official Statute)
Montana Courts – Civil Division: For complaint forms, mediating disputes, or responding to eviction
Montana Legal Services Association: Free legal aid and tenant education
Montana Legislature: Current legislation, bill tracking, and contact options

Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act of 1977 — Full Statute Text