Montana law under MCA 70-24-431 prohibits landlord retaliation against tenants who exercise statutory rights such as complaining to authorities or organizing tenant associations.
MCA 70-24-431 forbids landlords from retaliating against tenants who have complained to a government agency about housing code violations, complained to the landlord about habitability, organized or joined a tenant union, or exercised any right under the Montana Landlord-Tenant Act. Retaliation includes raising rent, decreasing services, or attempting eviction within six months of the protected activity. Tenants facing retaliation can raise the defense in eviction court and sue for damages including up to three months' rent and attorney fees. Billings has no additional local anti-harassment ordinance because Montana state law preempts the field of landlord-tenant relations.
Retaliatory rent increases, service cuts, or eviction attempts within six months of protected tenant activity expose landlords to damages including up to three months' rent plus attorney fees.
Billings, MT
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