Two ways to rent in Montana
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Montana? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Montana residential tenancies are governed by the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified in MCA Title 70, Chapters 24 and 25.
Montanalease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Montana sets no maximum on a residential security deposit — the amount is whatever the lease states (one month's rent is the common benchmark). Under MCA 70-25-202 the landlord must return it within 30 days after the tenant moves out, or within 10 days if no deductions are made, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
Late fees
Montana has no statute capping late fees, so a late fee must simply be reasonable and stated in the lease. Spell out the fee amount and when it applies so both sides know the terms up front.
Landlord entry & notice
Under MCA 70-24-312 a landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours' notice before entering and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. A landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.
Required disclosures
Include the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978. Montana also requires a general mold disclosure in the rental agreement and, if the landlord knows the property was contaminated by methamphetamine production, written notice of that fact. Identifying the owner or manager is good practice.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least 30 days' written notice under MCA 70-24-441.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Montana residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (MCA Title 70, Chapters 24 and 25).
How to write a Montana lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes; the mold statement; any meth-contamination notice) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Montana lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Montana lease agreement FAQ
Does a Montana residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Montana doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Montana?
No. Montana doesn't cap residential security deposits by statute — the amount is set by the lease. One month's rent is the common benchmark.
How long does a Montana landlord have to return the deposit?
Within 30 days after the tenant moves out, or within 10 days if no deductions are made, under MCA 70-25-202. The landlord must include an itemized statement of any deductions.
How much can a late fee be in Montana?
Montana sets no statutory cap on late fees, so the fee just has to be reasonable and written into the lease. State the amount and when it applies clearly.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Montana?
At least 30 days' written notice from either the landlord or the tenant under MCA 70-24-441.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Yes. Under MCA 70-24-312 a Montana landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency.
What must a Montana lease disclose?
The federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, a general mold disclosure in the rental agreement, and written notice of any known methamphetamine contamination. Identifying the owner or manager is good practice.
Is this Montana lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.