Montana Habitability & Repair Standards

Under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-303 a landlord must comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety, make repairs to 'put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition,' keep common areas clean and safe, maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning facilities, provide garbage receptacles and removal, and supply running water, reasonable hot water at all times, and reasonable heat from October 1 through May 1. CO and smoke detectors must be installed and working at lease commencement. If a landlord fails to remedy a defect within 14 days of written notice (3 working days for emergencies), the tenant may repair-and-deduct up to one month's rent or recover damages under §§ 70-24-406 and 70-24-408.

On the landlord's noncompliance after the required notice, a tenant may make repairs costing no more than one month's rent and deduct the cost, terminate the rental agreement, recover actual damages, and obtain injunctive relief (§§ 70-24-406, 70-24-408).