A Montana rental application provides landlords with a reliable way to evaluate tenants while complying with federal housing and state rental laws. Having a structured rental application template in Montana helps landlords identify responsible tenants and maintain consistent standards across all properties.
When paired with a residential property management software, a well-written housing application is the baseline for landlord success. This guide will walk you through how to create one and provide tips on tenant screening.
Information to Collect
A Montana rental application gives landlords the details they need to verify each applicant’s identity, background, and financial reliability. Common details to request include:
- Applicant and co-signer contact information
- Employment, income, and rental history
- References
- Current and previous addresses
- Pets or service animals
- Smoking status
- Vehicle details
Because rental applications contain sensitive personal data, federal and state landlord-tenant laws limit what landlords can ask and how to use that information during tenant screening.
Quick Guide to Screening a Tenant
The steps below outline how Montana landlords can evaluate applicants fairly and efficiently while protecting their property and peace of mind.
1. Pre-Screen
Having a pre-screening form isn’t a substitute for a complete Montana rental application, but it can help landlords focus on serious, qualified renters.
Typical pre-screening questions cover contact information, desired move-in date, number of occupants, employment or income status, estimated credit score, pets or service animals, and smoking habits.
2. Conduct Showings
Now it’s time to show the rental. Meeting tenants in person helps Montana landlords gauge interest, answer questions, and get a better sense of each applicant.
3. Distribute and Collect Applications
After showing the property, provide your application form to interested tenants and clearly disclose any non-refundable application fees in advance.
Using a free rental application template helps Montana landlords collect and organize applications, making it simple.
Montana Application Laws
Both state and federal housing laws govern how landlords in Montana collect and evaluate rental applications. To stay compliant, they must apply the same screening standards to every applicant.
Source of income: Montana does not have statewide protections for applicants based on lawful sources of income.
Criminal history: Landlords may conduct a criminal background check when screening applicants.
Eviction history: Property owners in Montana can review public eviction filings to assess a tenant’s rental history.
Sexual orientation & gender identity: Montana’s Human Rights Act protects individuals from housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (Mont. Code § 49-2-305).
Portable tenant screening reports: Landlords are not required to accept portable tenant screening reports in this state. Acceptance of these reports is voluntary and at the landlord’s discretion.
Pets, ESAs, and Service Animals
Montana property owners can decide whether to allow pets, but federal law draws a firm line between pets and assistance animals.
Pet information: Ask applicants to list any animals that will live in the unit, including pets, ESAs, or service animals, and enforce pet policies consistently.
Fair Housing Act: Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot deny housing or charge additional pet deposits, fees, or rent for assistance animals. Service and support animals are not considered pets, and landlords may not restrict them based on breed, weight, or size.
Federal Application Laws
Beyond state landlord-tenant rules, federal laws outline how landlords must handle Montana rental application information.
Fair Housing Act (FHA): Requires landlords to provide equal housing opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability (42 U.S.C. § 3601).
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): If a landlord denies an application because of credit findings, they must issue an adverse action notice that lists the reporting agency and explains the applicant’s right to dispute the results (15 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1681x).
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Under this law, landlords cannot discriminate against applicants who receive public assistance and must use credit information fairly when determining eligibility (15 U.S.C. § 1691).
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations so applicants and tenants with disabilities can access and enjoy housing equally (42 U.S.C. § 1210).
4. Use a Third-Party Screening Service
Using a reliable tenant background check service helps landlords streamline the application process and avoid handling sensitive data directly.
Third-party platforms, like TurboTenant, can securely run background, credit, and eviction reports, giving landlords a clearer picture of each applicant’s rental and financial history.
5. Check Application References
Checking references helps Montana landlords verify an applicant’s reliability and rental history. Speaking directly with past landlords or employers confirms rent payments, communication style, and property care.
When making these calls, ask questions like:
- How well did they maintain or respect the property?
- Would you rent to this person again?
- What was their monthly rent amount?
- Did they pay rent on time and in full?
- Were there any lease violations or unresolved issues during their tenancy?
6. Approve or Deny Applications
When accepting multiple applications, landlords in Montana should apply the same standards to each to maintain compliance with the law.
- Rental history: If an applicant has little to no rental experience, ask for additional references or require a qualified co-signer to strengthen the lease.
- Rent-to-income ratio: Use the ratio as a guideline when evaluating applicants.
- Credit score: Look for applicants with a credit score of around 600 or higher.
- Fact-check the rental application: Reject any that include false or misleading statements.
Denial Process
No matter the state, landlords should follow a transparent, consistent process when rejecting a rental application to remain compliant with fair housing and consumer protection laws.
Denial notice: Montana law doesn’t require a written tenant rejection letter, but providing one helps document your decision.
Credit/background denials: If you deny an application because of credit or background results, the FCRA requires you to send an adverse action notice.
Document storage: Keep all denied applications and supporting documents for at least 3 years.
Avoiding Fraud
Rental scams can happen anywhere, even in Montana. Protect your property by verifying IDs, income, and employment, running credit and tenant background checks, and speaking with past landlords. Stay alert for red flags like inconsistent details or unverifiable information.
Montana Rental Application FAQs
What is required to rent an apartment in Montana?
In Montana, applicants usually complete a rental application, provide photo ID, and pay screening fees. Landlords may also request permission for credit and tenant background checks.
Do you have to pay to submit a rental application?
Yes. Many Montana landlords charge an application fee to offset the cost of screening prospective tenants.
What are the reasons a rental application can be denied?
A landlord in Montana might turn down an applicant for financial instability, an unsatisfactory rental record, misleading details, or concerns uncovered during screening.
How long does a landlord have to decide on a rental application?
Montana law doesn’t set a formal timeline, but most landlords respond quickly once all verification and screening steps are complete.
