Montana Statewide Rule

Montana Residential Landlord-Tenant Act Sets Eviction Grounds

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Montana (2026)

Montana's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act establishes statewide eviction procedures and grounds. Cities cannot impose just-cause eviction requirements beyond state law, which permits non-renewal of month-to-month tenancies with proper notice.

Key Facts

Statute: MCA Title 70, Ch. 24
Month-to-month notice: 30 days
Nonpayment notice: 3 days
Just cause: Not required

Source: Montana Legislature

Full Breakdown

Title 70, Chapter 24 MCA codifies the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which governs all eviction procedures. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies for any non-discriminatory reason with 30 days' written notice under MCA 70-24-441. For-cause terminations include nonpayment (3-day notice), lease violations (14/30-day cure), and substantial damage (3-day no-cure). Local just-cause eviction ordinances are preempted because Title 70 occupies the field of landlord-tenant relations. Federal fair housing and source-of-income protections still apply.

Violations & Penalties

Improper eviction procedures expose landlords to wrongful eviction claims, statutory damages of three months' rent, and attorney fees under MCA 70-24-411.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Montana require landlords to have a reason to evict?

No. Outside fixed-term leases, landlords may end month-to-month tenancies for any lawful reason with 30 days' written notice. No statewide just-cause requirement exists.

Can my city require just-cause eviction protections?

Generally no. The Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act occupies this field, preempting local ordinances that add eviction restrictions beyond statewide standards.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.