Montana Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

Maximum Amount: There is no statutory cap on how much a landlord may charge for a deposit.

• Receipt Required? No, Montana state law does not require landlords to issue a formal deposit receipt or hold security deposit funds in an interest-bearing escrow account

Pet Deposits: Landlords may charge separate pet deposits or non-refundable pet fees, and state law places no maximum limit on the amount. Landlords may not charge pet fees or deposits for assistance animals (42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(B); 24 CFR § 100.204).

Return Period: The landlord must return the security deposit within 10 days after tenancy termination if no deductions are made (§ 70-25-202(1)(b)). If deductions are claimed for cleaning, repairs, or unpaid rent, the landlord has 30 days to deliver the remaining balance (§ 70-25-202(1)(a)).

• Itemized List Required? Yes. If withholding funds, the landlord must deliver a written itemized list of deductions within 30 days (§ 70-25-202(1)(a)). Before deducting cleaning charges, the landlord must give written notice detailing the unaccomplished cleaning and grant the tenant 24 hours to remedy it (§ 70-25-201(3)).

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For residential properties built before 1978, landlords must distribute the federal EPA Lead Hazard Pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint hazards before lease execution (40 CFR § 745.113).

Methamphetamine or Fentanyl Contamination Disclosure (if applicable): Prior to signing a lease, a landlord who knows the property was used as a clandestine methamphetamine or fentanyl lab, or contaminated by drug consumption, must disclose that fact in writing unless certified as remediated to state standards (§ 75-10-1305).

Mold Disclosure Act Notice (included in the lease template): Prior to entering into a rental contract, the landlord must provide the mandatory statutory mold disclosure statement that acknowledges potential mold risks and discloses any known prior mold testing or contamination (§ 70-16-703). This notice is included in the Montana Standard Lease Agreement Template.

Owner and Manager Identity: At or before the start of the tenancy, the landlord must disclose in writing the names and addresses of the property manager and the property owner or agent authorized to accept notices and service of process (§ 70-24-301).

Statement of Condition (Move-In Checklist): At the moment a security deposit is accepted, the landlord must provide an immediate written receipt specifying the total amount, date, property address, recipient’s name, and the signature of the person accepting the funds (ch. 186, § 15B(2)(b)).