MCA § 70-25-202: Montana security deposit rules in plain English
What MCA § 70-25-202 says about Montana security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- 30 days is the latest date, counted from when the tenancy ends or the landlord accepts your surrender of the home, whichever comes first.
- If the inspection finds no damage, no cleaning needed and no unpaid rent, and you can show no utilities are unpaid, the deposit is due within 10 days.
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory cap found in chapter 70-25. Any deposit the lease requires counts as a security deposit, and a fee or charge for cleaning and damages, however labelled, is presumed to be one (§ 70-25-101(4)). Any lease term contrary to chapter 70-25, and any tenant waiver of it, is invalid (§ 70-25-103).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No interest requirement in chapter 70-25.
What MCA § 70-25-202 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
No statutory cap found in chapter 70-25. Any deposit the lease requires counts as a security deposit, and a fee or charge for cleaning and damages, however labelled, is presumed to be one (§ 70-25-101(4)). Any lease term contrary to chapter 70-25, and any tenant waiver of it, is invalid (§ 70-25-103).
Interest
No interest requirement in chapter 70-25.
Full citation: MCA §§ 70-25-101, 70-25-103, 70-25-201, 70-25-202, 70-25-203, 70-25-204 Read the official text
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FAQ: MCA § 70-25-202
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under MCA § 70-25-202?
Under MCA § 70-25-202, a Montana landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. 30 days is the latest date, counted from when the tenancy ends or the landlord accepts your surrender of the home, whichever comes first. If the inspection finds no damage, no cleaning needed and no unpaid rent, and you can show no utilities are unpaid, the deposit is due within 10 days.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Montana?
No statutory cap found in chapter 70-25. Any deposit the lease requires counts as a security deposit, and a fee or charge for cleaning and damages, however labelled, is presumed to be one (§ 70-25-101(4)). Any lease term contrary to chapter 70-25, and any tenant waiver of it, is invalid (§ 70-25-103).
Does Montana require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: MCA §§ 70-25-101, 70-25-103, 70-25-201, 70-25-202, 70-25-203, 70-25-204.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Montana?
No interest requirement in chapter 70-25.
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Scan my Montana leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.