Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Montana

Montana: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the earlier of the end of the tenancy and the surrender of the unit. 10 calendar days after the end of the tenancy if no deductions (70-25-202(1)(b)(i): with no damage, no cleaning, no unpaid rent and the tenant showing no unpaid utilities, return within 10 days (start event not stated; termination assumed)). Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): actual damages only. (Mont. Code Ann. 70-25-101 to 70-25-206)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the earlier of the end of the tenancy and the surrender of the unit.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, late fees, unpaid utilities, other lease obligations, damage beyond wear, cleaning to move in condition. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: actual damages only if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).

The rule text

Each landlord, within 30 days subsequent to the termination of a tenancy or within 30 days subsequent to a surrender and acceptance of the leasehold premises, whichever occurs first, shall provide the departing tenant with a written list of any rent due and any damage and cleaning charges

Mont. Code Ann. 70-25-202(1)(a)(i). Source: Mont. Code Ann. 70-25-202 List of damages and refund, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (1)

No deposit cap in the statute.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

normal_wear_excluded is set true by inference: the statute speaks of damage and of cleaning beyond cyclical maintenance, with no explicit wear-and-tear clause in 70-25-201.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the earlier of the end of the tenancy and the surrender of the unit.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $350.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Mont. Code Ann. 70-25-101 to 70-25-206 (Montana)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $350.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Mont. Code Ann. 70-25-101 to 70-25-206.

Settle a deposit in Montana

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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