Housing (Renters)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 1007: Revise laws related to short-term rentals

This bill reclassifies short-term rentals as residential uses rather than commercial activities, which directly affects property owners, renters, and local zoning authorities in Montana. It establishes that short-term rentals are generally permitted in any area where residential use is allowed, unless a jurisdiction explicitly prohibits them across an entire zoning district or area. The law also creates specific protections for primary residences, allowing owners to rent out their homes even if local rules ban short-term rentals, provided the owner lives there at least 183 days annually. Additionally, the bill requires additional analysis before local governments can restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, ensuring communities consider the impact of such decisions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reclassifies short-term rentals as residential uses, expanding housing options and protecting property owners' rights to rent their homes, which supports housing availability and property rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Zoning

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signed · Montana · House Jun 12, 2025

HB 810: Revise tenant landlord laws

HB 810 prohibits Montana landlords from charging extra fees based on how tenants pay rent (e.g., credit card or online payments), except to cover actual bank fees incurred for electronic payments. It defines "rent payment type" to include cash, checks, electronic methods, or other agreed-upon forms. The law directly affects all Montana tenants and landlords by standardizing payment terms in rental agreements. It amends existing tenant-landlord statutes to eliminate discriminatory fees while clarifying acceptable payment methods.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discriminatory fees for rent payment methods, protecting tenants from added costs and strengthening tenant rights under landlord-tenant law.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

died · Montana · Legislature May 20, 2025

LC 2579: Provide for all ages homeowner and renter tax credit

This bill (LC 2579) expands Montana's residential property tax credit to include all homeowners and renters regardless of age, removing previous age restrictions. It increases the maximum credit amount and revises income thresholds where the credit begins to phase out. The changes apply immediately and retroactively to prior tax years. The bill amends Montana Code Annotated sections related to property tax credits to implement these updates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands property tax credit to all ages/incomes, increasing relief for homeowners and renters per bill's removal of age restrictions and higher credit amounts.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax credit to all renters/homeowners, removing age limits and increasing credit amounts to boost housing affordability directly.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes Renters

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died · Montana · Legislature May 23, 2025

LC 3786: Establish a tenant bill of rights

LC 3786, titled "Establish a tenant bill of rights," was a proposed bill aiming to create standardized protections for renters. It would have directly affected residential tenants and landlords by outlining clear rights and responsibilities, such as notice requirements for rent increases and maintenance obligations. However, the bill never advanced beyond the drafting stage, as it "died in process" on May 23, 2025, after being assigned to a drafter in December 2024. No specific provisions were enacted, as the bill was not considered by any committee or voted on. The bill remains inactive with no further legislative action.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes standardized tenant protections including rent increase notices and maintenance obligations, directly advancing tenant rights per its title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 2508: Provide for refunds of residential lease application fees

Bill LC 2508 would require landlords to refund residential lease application fees paid by renters. The bill aimed to provide direct financial relief to renters who pay these fees but are not approved for housing. Introduced in late 2024, it died in committee on May 26, 2025, without becoming law. This procedural bill focused solely on refund mechanisms, not broader housing policy changes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to refund lease application fees to renters, directly protecting tenants from financial loss and strengthening tenant rights per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1615: Generally revise renters rights laws

LC 1615, titled "Generally revise renters rights laws," was a proposed bill aimed at updating tenant protections. However, it died in the legislative process on May 26, 2025, after being assigned to a drafter in November 2024. The bill never advanced to a committee vote or floor consideration, so no specific provisions or policy changes were enacted. As it did not become law, it did not directly affect renters or landlords. This bill remains inactive and was never implemented.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aimed to 'update tenant protections' (a key housing policy), indicating intent to strengthen tenant rights per its title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 3245: Increase elderly homeowner/renter tax credit

This bill (LC 3245) proposed increasing the tax credit available to elderly homeowners and renters. It aimed to provide greater financial relief to low-to-moderate income seniors by raising the credit amount they could claim on their state income taxes. The bill was drafted in December 2024 but was placed on hold and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 27, 2025, meaning it never became law. As a result, no policy change was implemented for affected elderly residents.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credit for elderly low-to-moderate income residents, providing direct tax relief per bill summary and taxation subject focus.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases tax credit for elderly homeowners/renters, providing direct financial relief to low-to-moderate income seniors to improve housing affordability, aligning with 'increases affordable housing' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes Renters

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 173: Provide income tax relief for property taxes paid

SB 173 proposes two main tax relief measures: a new "workforce renter's tax credit" for Montana renters under 62 with household income under $45,000 who pay rent equivalent to property taxes (with rent at least 30% of earned income), offering credits up to $1,750 based on rent-to-income ratio; and an increased residential property tax credit for elderly homeowners, including inflation adjustments to prevent the credit from losing value over time. The bill specifically allows qualifying teachers to exclude certain non-teaching income when calculating the renter credit. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters and elderly homeowners, providing them direct tax relief through refundable credits. The bill was introduced but died in committee in May 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits for lower-income renters ($45k income cap) and elderly homeowners, reducing tax burden per support indicators for middle/lower income relief.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides direct tax relief to low-income renters (under $45k) via renter's credit, increasing housing affordability for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Affordable Housing Property Taxes Renters

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 843: Create Montana emergency solutions grant for rapid re-housing

HB 843 aimed to establish a Montana emergency solutions grant to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It proposed appropriating $1 million annually for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 from the state's general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services. These funds would supplement federal emergency solutions grants for rapid re-housing assistance. The bill would have allowed for rental assistance up to 150% of the fair market rent for program participants with incomes below 80% of the area median income.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $1M annually from state general fund for homelessness housing, directly funding an essential public service through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates $1M annual grant for rapid re-housing assistance to prevent homelessness, directly funding housing solutions for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 776: Generally revise residential landlord and tenant laws

HB 776 aimed to generally revise laws governing residential landlord and tenant relationships. The bill would have required property management companies to provide 90 days' notice to tenants for any changes to or termination of a rental agreement, specifically for tenancies exceeding one year. It also proposed updates to various definitions relevant to landlord-tenant interactions, including "property management company" and "case of emergency." Additionally, it would have adjusted the notice requirements for extending written rental agreements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires 90-day notice for lease changes/termination, strengthening tenant protections against sudden housing disruptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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