Updated for 2026

Montana Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Montana has one of the fastest return deadlines in the country — just 10 days when there are no deductions. If the landlord claims deductions, the deadline extends to 30 days. There's no deposit cap, and penalties for wrongful withholding are at the court's discretion.

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Montana Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
10 / 30 Days
No deductions / With deductions
Maximum Deposit
No State Limit
Penalty for Late Return
Amount Withheld
+ attorney fees + costs (discretion)
Interest Required
✗ No
Applicable Law
Mont. Code § 70-25-201–206
Very Fast 10-Day Deadline: When there are no deductions, Montana landlords have only 10 days to return your full deposit — one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If your landlord misses this window and hasn't provided an itemized deduction list, they may have forfeited the right to claim deductions. Document your move-out condition carefully to prove no damage occurred.

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Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

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Montana Security Deposit Law — Explained

Two Deadlines: 10 Days vs. 30 Days

Under Mont. Code § 70-25-202, Montana landlords must return the full security deposit within 10 days after the tenancy ends if there are no deductions. If the landlord intends to claim deductions for damages or unpaid rent, the deadline extends to 30 days, and the landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions along with the remaining balance.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Montana landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant. The landlord must provide a written, itemized list of all deductions within the 30-day window.

Penalties at the Court's Discretion

Unlike states with automatic penalty multipliers, Montana leaves penalties to the court's discretion. If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs — but only if the court finds the withholding was unjustified. This makes thorough documentation and a formal demand letter especially important.

No Deposit Cap

Montana has no state limit on security deposit amounts. Landlords can charge whatever the market will bear. If you paid a large deposit, the stakes are higher — make sure you document the unit's condition at both move-in and move-out to protect your full deposit amount.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease and all communications.
  2. 2
    Send a written demand Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing Mont. Code § 70-25-201 through § 70-25-206. Send via certified mail.
  3. 3
    Wait for the deadline to pass 10 days if no deductions are claimed, or 30 days if the landlord claims deductions.
  4. 4
    File in small claims court Montana's small claims limit is $7,000. You can sue for the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs.

Montana Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Montana?
Montana landlords must return the deposit within 10 days if there are no deductions, or 30 days if claiming deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Montana?
Montana has no state limit on security deposit amounts.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Montana?
Tenants can recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs, at the court's discretion.
Does Montana require interest on security deposits?
No. Montana does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How do I get my security deposit back in Montana?
Document the unit at move-out, send a written demand citing Mont. Code § 70-25-201, and file in small claims court (limit: $7,000) if unresolved.

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