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Bill

HB 304

Revise security deposit laws to provide tenants more information and time

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Karlen

Montana bill requiring landlords to provide tenants greater disclosure of security deposit deductions and extended dispute timelines died in committee without advancing.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 304

Legislative bill overview

HB 304 would modify Montana's security deposit laws to require landlords to provide tenants with more detailed information about their deposits and extend the timeframe tenants have to dispute deductions. The bill aims to increase transparency in the deposit return process and give renters greater opportunity to challenge potentially improper withholdings.

Why is this important

Security deposits are a significant financial transaction in rental agreements, and disputes over deductions are common sources of landlord-tenant conflict. Clearer information requirements and longer dispute windows could reduce confusion, litigation, and financial losses for tenants while potentially clarifying expectations for landlords. However, the bill's failure to advance suggests the legislature did not prioritize these changes or had concerns about implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance burden: Expanded documentation and notification requirements may create administrative costs and complexity for property managers, particularly small-scale landlords
  • Timeline extensions: Longer dispute periods could delay landlords' access to deposit funds and complicate accounting, especially for properties with frequent turnover
  • Specificity of changes: The bill's actual language on what additional information must be provided and how much longer the dispute window becomes would significantly affect the practical impact on both parties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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