Montana Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitMontana has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Montana law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Montana compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Montana compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Montana | no statutory limit |
| Nebraska | 1 month's rent |
| Nevada | 3 months' rent |
| New Hampshire | 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater) |
| New Jersey | 1.5 months' rent |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Montana?
- Montana sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Montana is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statutory limit (2 months generally considered reasonable). Nonrefundable fees prohibited - all deposits must be refundable. Return within 10 days if no deductions, 30 days if deductions. Final inspection within 7 days of termination; 24 hours notice for cleaning.
- Does Montana require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Montana does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Montana?
- Montana landlords generally must return the deposit within 10–30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Montana Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Montana law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Montana lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Montana for your specific situation.