Security deposit law in Montana

The rule in Montana

Montana sets no statutory cap on the size of a residential security deposit: the source checked (Montana Legislature, MCA 70-25-202) states no maximum, so the amount is whatever the lease says.

The return deadline is 30 days, counted after the tenancy ends. The text reads: “within 30 days subsequent to the termination of a tenancy.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 15 give landlords less time and 9 give more; the median is 30 days. 19 others also allow 30 days, among them Iowa, Kansas, Maine and Massachusetts.

Without a cap there is no dollar ceiling to compute. For comparison, 27 of the 44 verified jurisdictions do cap deposits, from one month's rent in states such as Alabama up to three months' rent in Nevada.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 30, 2026. The alternative 10-day period would end on December 10, 2026.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Idaho allows 21 days and sets no cap, North Dakota allows 30 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, South Dakota allows 21 days and caps deposits at one month's rent and Wyoming allows 30 days and sets no cap.

When the inspection finds no damage, no cleaning, no unpaid rent and no unpaid utilities, the deposit is due within 10 days.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Montana is $7,000 (small claims rules).

Source: Montana Legislature, MCA 70-25-202 · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.