Housing

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 1666: Require the refund of rental application fees

This bill requires landlords and property managers in Montana to refund rental application fees to applicants who do not sign a lease agreement, unless specific costs for services actually performed can be deducted. The law mandates that applicants receive written notice detailing how much of the fee covers each service, such as credit checks, and prohibits landlords from keeping fees for services that were not completed. If a landlord wrongfully withholds an application fee, the applicant can sue for damages and potentially recover attorney fees, with the burden of proof for services rendered falling on the landlord. These rules apply to all application fees collected on or after the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects tenant rights by requiring landlords to refund application fees, preventing financial barriers to housing applications and strengthening tenant protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 1053: Revising laws related to transfer of a single-family dwelling

This bill restricts investment firms from purchasing single-family homes that have been listed for sale for less than 45 days. The law defines an investment firm as a corporation or trust that pools investor capital to buy financial securities, and it applies this 45-day waiting period specifically to these entities. If an investment firm attempts to buy a home before the 45-day period ends, the seller can cancel the contract at any time before it is fully completed. The bill does not affect sales by other types of buyers or transactions that occurred before the law takes effect.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill restricts investment firms from buying homes quickly, preventing rapid turnover and protecting homeowners from predatory practices, supporting housing stability.75% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 8, 2025

LC 8: Establish a housing fairness tax credit

This bill creates a new housing fairness income tax credit for Montana residents who pay property taxes on their homes or rent-equivalent amounts on their rentals. It directly affects homeowners and renters with household incomes under $150,000 who have lived in Montana for at least nine months and occupied their residence for at least six months of the tax year. The credit amount is calculated based on household income, with higher credits available for lower-income households, and it cannot be combined with the existing residential property tax credit for the elderly. The legislation also clarifies that taxpayers cannot claim this credit if they receive public rent subsidies or property tax subsidies, and it amends several existing Montana code sections to incorporate these new provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates tax credit for low-to-moderate income residents, providing tax relief and supporting housing affordability through state revenue mechanisms.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates tax credit for homeowners and renters with income under $150K, directly supporting affordable housing access and financial relief for housing costs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 20, 2025

LC 3755: Authorize additional funding for coal trust loan program for housing

This bill authorizes the Montana Board of Investments to allocate an additional $50 million from the permanent coal tax trust fund for low-income and moderate-income housing loans, increasing the total available funding to $115 million. The legislation allows the Montana Board of Housing to administer these funds for developing and preserving homes and apartments to help eligible residents meet basic housing needs. It also updates related state statutes to clarify how these funds are managed and repaid into the coal severance tax permanent fund. The bill directly affects housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and low-to-moderate income households seeking affordable housing assistance through state loan programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $50M from coal tax trust fund for affordable housing, advancing state budget and funding essential housing programs95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $50M additional funding for low-income and moderate-income housing loans to develop and preserve affordable housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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died · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 1860: Provide income tax relief for property taxes paid

This bill creates a new Montana tax credit for renters under 62 with household income below $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes, allowing them to claim up to $1,200 or $1,750 depending on their rent-to-income ratio. It also permits qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income when calculating their eligibility for this credit. The legislation increases the residential property tax credit for elderly taxpayers and adjusts the income thresholds where these credits begin to phase out. Additionally, the bill schedules periodic reviews of various state tax credits starting in 2025 to assess their effectiveness and impact on taxpayers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides income tax relief for renters and elderly taxpayers, directly addressing tax policy to reduce financial burden on specific groups.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income for tax credit eligibility, providing financial relief to educators.70% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits for renters and elderly property owners, directly supporting affordable housing and tenant financial relief.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Credits Landlords Property Taxes Renters

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 877: Require government to provide certain building code text or citation causing delay or stop

This bill requires state and local building departments to provide written or electronic copies of specific building code sections when they delay permit approvals or stop construction projects. If a department fails to provide these requested code citations within seven calendar days, those code sections are automatically waived for that permit or project. The legislation also allows individuals to sue for damages and recover legal fees if a building department does not comply with this requirement.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens housing development by requiring building departments to provide code citations promptly, preventing unnecessary delays and protecting property rights in housing construction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 975: Creating the private property protection act

This bill establishes the Private Property Protection Act to strengthen private property rights by limiting government restrictions on property use. It requires that any law or regulation restricting private property must be necessary and narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest in public health or safety. Property owners can sue in court to challenge restrictions that violate these requirements, and if they win, the court will stop enforcement and award attorney fees. The law applies to all state and local government actions but excludes nuisance abatement, permit enforcement, and court-ordered actions.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill limits government restrictions on property use and requires regulations to be narrowly tailored, which could weaken environmental protections and conservation requirements.85% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill limits government restrictions on property use, which could reduce tenant protections and affordable housing development by weakening regulatory oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 3243: Provide tax credit to landlords that rent for below market rate

This bill creates a Montana income tax credit for landlords who rent residential properties at rates below the local fair market value. Landlords can claim $2 for every $100 their rent is under 110% of the county's fair market rent, with a maximum credit limited to their annual tax liability. To qualify, properties must have lease terms of at least one year, meet federal housing quality standards, and not already participate in other rent-limiting programs. The credit can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used, and the bill requires landlords to submit proof of rent amounts and lease agreements when claiming the benefit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits to landlords for below-market rent, promoting affordable housing and fiscal incentives for community benefit.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits to landlords for below-market rent, directly increasing affordable housing availability and protecting tenant access to affordable units.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Affordable Housing Landlords Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 18, 2025

LC 705: Revise county zoning to allow accessory dwelling units

This bill requires Montana counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right on single-family lots, meaning homeowners can add a secondary living space without needing special permits or hearings. The law sets specific rules for these units, such as limiting their size to no more than 75% of the main home or 1,000 square feet, whichever is smaller, and prohibits counties from requiring matching exterior designs, owner occupancy, or additional parking. Counties may charge a one-time application fee of up to $250 per unit but cannot impose impact fees, restrictive covenants, or more stringent building standards than those already applied to the primary residence. The bill also clarifies that existing building, fire, and health codes still apply, while allowing counties to adopt even more permissive regulations if they choose.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands housing options by allowing accessory dwelling units, increasing affordable housing supply and reducing zoning restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 4, 2025

LC 2505: Increase elderly homeowner and renter income tax credit

This bill increases the maximum income tax credit available to elderly homeowners and renters in Montana by adjusting the credit calculation thresholds and amounts. It directly affects seniors who own or rent their primary residences by providing a tax credit that offsets a portion of their property taxes or rent-equivalent costs. The key mechanism involves raising the income threshold at which the credit begins to phase out and increasing the maximum credit amount, while also updating the definition of household income to $14,100 for calculation purposes. The bill includes an inflationary adjustment provision to ensure the credit maximum and phase-out income levels keep pace with economic changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases tax credits for elderly homeowners and renters, providing tax relief to lower-income seniors and reducing their financial burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases tax credits for elderly homeowners and renters, directly supporting affordable housing by reducing housing cost burdens for seniors.90% confidence

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

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