How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Montana?

In Montana, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 30 days of move-out. 30 days (10 days if there are no deductions).

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Montana?

Small claims court in Montana handles disputes up to $7,000.

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Montana security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

30 days

30 days (10 days if there are no deductions).

Small claims limit

$7,000

What you need to know

• Deposit due within 30 days (10 if there are no deductions), with an itemized list.

Itemization: Itemized list required.

Interest: No interest required.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: Wrongful withholding: your damages, and bad faith can add penalties.

Statute: Mont. Code § 70-25-201 et seq.

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Montana landlords must act within 30 days of move-out. 30 days (10 days if there are no deductions).

⚖️ Your leverage: Wrongful withholding: your damages, and bad faith can add penalties.

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Montana handles up to $7,000 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.