When a renter in Montana can’t obtain necessary repairs, before beginning a court case it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the property. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Montana?
In Montana, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Sanitary facilities.
- Required utilities.
- Heating (in winter).
- Hot water.
- Garbage removal.
- Required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Provided appliances.
- Common areas.
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Montana?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Montana must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within 14 days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Montana?
Tenants in Montana should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Billings | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
| Missoula | Development and Building Review | Call (406) 552-6630 |
| Great Falls | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Billings?
A tenant in Billings can report a health or safety violation by contacting Code Enforcement using the provided online form. Provide contact information (if desired), describe the issue, detail the location, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Missoula?
A tenant in Missoula can report a health or safety violation by calling Development and Building Review at (406) 552-6630. Be prepared to provide contact information, issue location, and a detailed description of the issue.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Great Falls?
A tenant in Great Falls can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (406) 455-8574 or using the provided online form. Most issues will fall under the “Other” complaint type. Provide a location, describe the issue, provide contact information, certify the complaint, and submit.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Montana?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Montana, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Mont. Code Ann. 70-24-303(1)(a)-(1)(c) (2022)
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“Subject to 27-1-1603 [limitation of liability in COVID-19 cases except for gross negligence or intentional tort], a landlord: (a) shall comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety in effect at the time of original construction in all dwelling units where construction is completed after July 1, 1977; (b) shall make repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, except when it is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain the dwelling unit pursuant to 70-24-321 [tenant responsibilities]; [and] (c) shall keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition.”
Source Link - 2 Mont. Code Ann. 70-24-303(1)(d)-(1)(f) (2022)
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“[A landlord] (d) shall maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord; (e) shall, unless otherwise provided in a rental agreement, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal; [and] (f) shall supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat between October 1 and May 1, except if the building that includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for that purpose or the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant.”
Source Link - 3 Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-406(1)(a) (2022)
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“Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a noncompliance with 70-24-303 [landlord maintenance responsibilities] affecting health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than 30 days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in 14 days. If the noncompliance results in a case of emergency and the landlord fails to remedy the situation within 3 working days after written notice by the tenant of the situation and the tenant’s intention to terminate the rental agreement, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement.”
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