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Montana security deposit law

How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit in Montana, the deadline to return it after move-out, and the statute that controls — verified June 7, 2026.

Best-effort summary, verified June 7, 2026. Statutes change and often use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the linked statute or a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice.
Maximum deposit
No statutory limit
Return deadline
30 days
Controlling statute
Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202
No statutory dollar cap. Montana sets no statewide limit on the deposit amount — but local ordinances may, and the return deadline above still applies. Market practice is typically 1–2 months of rent.

Maximum security deposit in Montana

No statutory limit. § 70-25-202: written list of damages/refund within 30 days after termination/surrender; if no damages, cleaning, unpaid rent, or unpaid utilities, full deposit returned within 10 days.

Returning the deposit

30 days (10 days if no deductions and no unpaid rent/utilities). Read Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202 for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.

Compare with other states

See the full sortable table in our free security deposit limits by state tool, or jump to another state below.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Montana?

No statutory limit. § 70-25-202: written list of damages/refund within 30 days after termination/surrender; if no damages, cleaning, unpaid rent, or unpaid utilities, full deposit returned within 10 days. This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.

When must a landlord return a security deposit in Montana?

30 days (10 days if no deductions and no unpaid rent/utilities). See Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202 for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.

What statute governs security deposits in Montana?

Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-201, 70-25-202. The official text is published by the state at https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0250/part_0020/section_0020/0700-0250-0020-0020.html.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.

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Security deposit law in every state

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