Montana Security Deposit Itemization Letter Template

What a Montana security deposit itemization letter must include under Montana law, and a fill-in draft that follows those rules.

What Montana law requires

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends (or after surrender and acceptance, if earlier), the landlord must give the departing tenant a written list of any rent due and any damage and cleaning charges claimed, accompanied by the refund of any difference. The list must be delivered by a method allowed for notices (§ 70-24-108); the refund may be paid by electronic transfer, cash, check or other means, or mailed to the tenant's new address (or last-known address). If there are no damages, cleaning or unpaid rent and the tenant shows utilities are paid, the full deposit is due within 10 days. A landlord who fails to provide the list forfeits the right to withhold anything for damage or cleaning.

Source: Mont. Code Ann. §§ 70-25-202, 70-25-203

Cleaning charges require prior written notice to the tenant of the cleaning needed (§ 70-25-201). Does not apply when the agreement was terminated under § 70-24-427 and the landlord has a pending court claim. § 70-25-203: https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0250/part_0020/section_0030/0700-0250-0020-0030.html

Fill-in draft

Replace every [bracketed] item. If your state or city requires specific wording, a specific form, or a translated version, that requirement controls over this draft. Courts dismiss eviction cases over defective notices — if anything is unclear, talk to a lawyer.

STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS

To: [former tenant name(s)], at [forwarding address]

Premises: [street address, unit]

Tenancy ended / possession returned on: [date]

Deposit held: $[amount] Interest (if required): $[amount]

Deductions (itemized): [item — reason — cost], [item — reason — cost]

Amount returned: $[amount], sent by [method] on [date]. This statement is provided under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-25-202(1)(a)-(b).

Date: [date]
Landlord or agent: [name, address, phone]
Signature: ____________________

Proof of delivery: Delivered on [date] by [method required by Montana law] by [name].

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.