Rent increases can be a major concern for tenants, especially in a housing market without rent control protections. In Montana, tenants should be aware of the current laws and regulations governing rent hikes to understand their rights and obligations. Here is a comprehensive overview of Montana’s rent increase laws for 2025.
No Rent Control in Montana
Montana does not have any statewide rent control laws. This means there are no limits or caps on how much a landlord can increase rent. Landlords have full discretion to raise rent to market rates, regardless of the amount, once the lease expires or according to the lease terms. Cities and counties are also prohibited from enacting local rent control ordinances due to a 2023 statewide ban. Consequently, tenants face potential rent increases that can be substantial and sudden.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
Although there is no limit on the amount of rent increase, Montana law requires landlords to provide tenants with proper written notice before raising rent:
For month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before the rent increase takes effect.
For tenants on fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term ends unless the lease agreement explicitly allows mid-lease hikes. After the lease ends, landlords must still provide proper notice before any increase.
This notice requirement ensures tenants have some time to prepare financially or make alternative housing arrangements if necessary.
Frequency and Timing of Rent Increases
Montana law does not specifically restrict how often landlords can raise rent, aside from the fixed lease obligations. Rent increases commonly occur at lease renewal for fixed-term tenants or upon expiration of the rental period for month-to-month tenants. Since there are no statewide limits, landlords can potentially raise rent multiple times a year if the leases and notices allow.
Tenant Protections and Recourse
Montana tenants have limited protections against rent increases other than the notice rules. If a rent increase occurs, tenants cannot withhold rent or refuse to pay without risking eviction for nonpayment. If a landlord raises rent excessively and a dispute arises, courts may scrutinize increases if challenged, but there are no specific caps.
Tenants should carefully review lease agreements and communicate with landlords if rent hikes create affordability issues. Negotiation is often the best course for tenants facing steep increases.
Additional Tenant Rights in Montana
Beyond rent increase rules, Montana tenants benefit from other landlord-tenant protections:
Habitable housing: Landlords must maintain rental properties to meet health and safety standards.
Privacy: Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering rental units.
Security deposits: Limited to one month’s rent and must be returned within 30 days after tenancy ends.
Fair housing: Discrimination in rental housing is illegal based on protected classes.
Evictions: Landlords must follow legal procedures to evict tenants, who may defend against improper or retaliatory evictions.
What Montana Tenants Should Know
Montana has no rent control laws or caps on rent increases.
Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice for increases on month-to-month leases.
Rent increases for fixed-term leases cannot occur mid-lease unless permitted by the lease.
Tenants have limited legal recourse against rent hikes but have important rights for habitable housing and fair treatment.
Careful review of lease terms and timely communication with landlords is vital to managing rent increase impacts.
In 2025, Montana tenants should stay informed about their lease agreements, monitor notices carefully, and plan ahead for any rent changes. While the absence of rent control can lead to high rent volatility, understanding the legal framework helps tenants better navigate the rental market and advocate for their housing stability.
This knowledge empowers tenants in Montana to approach rent increases with greater confidence and awareness of their rights.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-montana
[2] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/montana-rent-control-laws/
[3] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/04/montana-rent-increase-laws-2025-what-tenants-should-know/
[4] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/montana-tenant-landlord-law/
[5] https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/montana-landlord-tenant-laws
