Montana deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 30 days, or 10.

  Your landlord has 30 days after your tenancy ends or you hand back the place, whichever comes first, to send a written list of charges with your refund. If there's nothing to deduct, 10 days.

  § 70-25-202(1)

• Cleaning needs notice.

  They can't deduct cleaning until they've told you in writing what cleaning you didn't do.

  § 70-25-201(3)

• On them to prove it.

  Wrongful withholding means they owe what they wrongly kept, and the landlord carries the burden of proving damage.

  § 70-25-204(1)

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.