Montana Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Montana renters.
Return deadline
30 days
30 days if deductions are taken; 10 days if no deductions.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Return of amount withheld; no fixed statutory multiplier
Governing statute
Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-202, 70-25-204
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Check my Montana deadlineMontana security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Montana?
Under Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-202, 70-25-204, a Montana landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. 30 days if deductions are taken; 10 days if no deductions.
What happens if a Montana landlord returns the deposit late?
Return of amount withheld; no fixed statutory multiplier. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Montana landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Montana?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-202, 70-25-204, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-202, 70-25-204. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.