Short answer: Your Montana landlord's policy doesn't cover your belongings or your liability. Under MCA 70-25-202, if an inspection finds no damage, no cleaning needed, no unpaid rent, and you can show your utilities are paid, the landlord must return the deposit within 10 days. Otherwise, within 30 days the landlord must give you a written list of rent, damage and cleaning charges, together with any balance due.
This guide is general information for Montana renters. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can add rules. Your lease and policy wording control.
Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or liability. A renters policy (HO-4) covers personal property, personal liability and loss of use; flood is generally excluded (see FloodSmart). Coverage basics: renters insurance. Roommates: whether renters insurance covers roommates. Liability: how much renters liability coverage you need.
Step 1: The 10-day refund
Under MCA 70-25-202, the landlord must return the deposit within 10 days if all of these are true:
- the inspection finds no damage,
- no cleaning is required,
- no rent is unpaid, and
- you can show your utilities are paid.
Step 2: The 30-day list
Otherwise, within 30 days after the tenancy ends (or after surrender and acceptance, whichever comes first), the landlord must give you a written list of any rent due and any damage and cleaning charges, along with the difference between the deposit and those charges. A refund can be paid by electronic transfer, cash or check, or mailed to the new address you provide. If you don't provide one, it goes to your last-known address.
Step 3: Wildfire and winter
Renters insurance typically covers your belongings for fire, smoke and burst pipes, and pays additional living expenses if the unit becomes unlivable. Flood is generally excluded; see FloodSmart.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Montana.
Frequently asked questions
How fast must a Montana landlord return my deposit?
Within 10 days if there's no damage, cleaning or unpaid rent and your utilities are paid. Otherwise within 30 days, with a written list of charges.
Where does a Montana landlord send my deposit?
To the new address you provide, or your last-known address. Electronic transfer, cash or check is also allowed.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.