Montana Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Montana’s Residential Tenants’ Security Deposits Act uses a document-heavy process: authorized deductions are limited by statute, a pre-termination inspection may be requested, cleaning deductions require a specific notice process, and the landlord generally has 30 days to provide the written list and remaining deposit.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20263 official sources cited

General accounting30 days

From the earlier statutory trigger in MCA 70-25-202.

No deductions due10 days

When the statutory no-damage/no-cleaning/no-unpaid-rent/utilities conditions are met.

Cleaning cure period24 hours

After delivery of the required cleaning notice, subject to statutory exceptions.

What to preserve

Lease and security-deposit records.
Move-out/termination and surrender dates.
Any requested inspection record.
Cleaning notice and proof of delivery.
Written damage/rent/cleaning list.
Refund method and payment date.
Move-in statement of condition and photos.

Compare this topic across states

Security Deposit Rules by State
Compare the full security-deposit framework across all states.

Use the current Montana Code and the actual notice/delivery facts. Educational information only.

Official sources

Montana LegislatureMCA 70-25-201 — Security deposit deductions ↗

Current 2025 MCA section covering authorized deductions, pre-termination inspection and cleaning notice procedure.

Montana LegislatureMCA 70-25-202 — List of damages and refund ↗

Current 2025 MCA section covering the 30-day statement/refund rule and 10-day no-deduction return rule.

Montana LegislatureMCA 70-25-206 — Statement of condition ↗

Current MCA section requiring a written statement of condition when a security deposit is required.

Related Montana guides

30-Day Rule →10-Day No-Deduction Rule →Cleaning Notice →Move-Out Inspection →