Montana’s rental market in 2025 remains largely unregulated when it comes to rent increases, but tenants still have important rights and protections. Here’s what renters need to know about how and when their landlord can raise the rent.
Key Points on Montana Rent Increase Laws (2025)
No Statewide Rent Control
- Montana does not have any statewide rent control laws. This means there is no legal cap on how much a landlord can increase the rent, and local governments are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances.
Notice Requirements
- For month-to-month rentals, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
- For week-to-week rentals, at least 7 days’ notice is required.
- For fixed-term leases (such as a one-year lease), rent cannot be increased until the lease ends—unless the lease specifically allows for a mid-term increase.
How Rent Increases Work
- Landlords must deliver the rent increase notice in writing, clearly stating the new rent amount and the date it will take effect.
- Rent cannot be increased during an active lease term unless a rent increase clause exists in the lease.
Tenant Protections
- Rent increases cannot be used to discriminate against tenants based on race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics.
- Landlords are prohibited from raising rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights.
- For tenants in government-assisted housing (such as Section 8 or LIHTC properties), additional rules may apply, such as annual caps on increases and income-based calculations.
Summary Table
| Lease Type | Notice Required | Can Raise Mid-Lease? | Rent Cap? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | Yes, with notice | No |
| Week-to-Week | 7 days | Yes, with notice | No |
| Fixed-Term (1 year) | Lease governs | Only if lease allows | No |
What Tenants Should Do
- Review your lease for any rent increase clauses.
- Make sure you receive proper written notice before any rent hike.
- If you suspect a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, seek legal advice or contact the Montana Human Rights Bureau.
Montana landlords can raise rent as much as they wish, but only with proper written notice and not during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. Tenants should always get advance notice and are protected against discrimination and retaliation.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-montana
- https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/montana-landlord-tenant-laws
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/overview-landlord-tenant-laws-montana.html
- https://rentinmissoula.com/understanding-rent-increases/