Eviction in Yellowstone County, Montana

Where eviction cases are filed in Yellowstone County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Yellowstone County

Eviction court: Yellowstone County Justice Court (Civil Division) — Justice court Court page
Filing fee: $50.00 civil filing fee; $30.00 appearance fee Yellowstone County Justice Court - Civil Division fees
Notice before filing (state law): 3 days' written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate; agreement terminates if rent is not paid within 3 days. Montana rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,417/month HUD
Renter households: 21,238 (30% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Yellowstone County

Eviction cases in Yellowstone County are heard by the Yellowstone County Justice Court (Civil Division) (Justice court).

Yellowstone County Justice Court - civil clerks — 217 N. 27th St., Rm 603, Billings, MT 59101 (mail: P.O. Box 35032, Billings, MT 59107-5032) · website

Court eviction page

Landlords seeking possession of rental property can ask the clerk of court for the landlord/tenant packet. Civil clerks: 406-256-2998, fax 406-256-2898, JCcivilclerks@yellowstonecountymt.gov.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Yellowstone County

$50.00 civil filing fee; $30.00 appearance fee

Judgment fee $20.00; civil appeal fee $20.00. Sheriff or levying-officer service fees are separate.

Source: Yellowstone County Justice Court - Civil Division fees

How eviction cases work locally

Landlord/tenant packet	The Justice Court clerk provides a landlord/tenant packet to landlords seeking possession of rental property. Source: Official source

The Montana eviction process

Montana state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Yellowstone County:

Written termination notice: 3 days (nonpayment and certain violations), 14 days (other remediable noncompliance), 5 days (repeat within 6 months), or 30 days (month-to-month, no cause)
Landlord files an action for possession (and rent/damages) after termination
Tenant served with summons and complaint; tenant files answer (with any counterclaims) within 5 business days
Hearing within 10 business days after appearance or answer date (5 business days if termination was for damage/harm under § 70-24-321(3)); court rules within 5 days
If landlord wins, court immediately issues a writ of possession and writ of assistance
Sheriff executes the writ of assistance within 5 business days of receipt (or at a time agreed with the landlord)

Full Montana eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Yellowstone County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Billings, MT HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$1,016
1 bedroom	$1,109
2 bedrooms	$1,417
3 bedrooms	$1,951
4 bedrooms	$2,216

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Yellowstone County: $1,131/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; evictions follow the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Eviction help in Yellowstone County

Free legal help

Montana Legal Services Association (MontanaLawHelp.org) — The Justice Court refers landlord-tenant questions to Montana Legal Services, HelpLine 1-800-666-6899 (per the court's FAQ page).

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Yellowstone County

Section 8 and public housing in Yellowstone County

HomeFront: Partners for a Better Billings (formerly the Housing Authority of Billings) — Billings, Yellowstone County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Affordable rentals, 62+ senior and disabled rentals
Phone: (406) 245-6391
How to apply / waiting list

All Montana housing authorities →

Other Montana counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Yellowstone County?

Eviction cases in Yellowstone County are filed with the Yellowstone County Justice Court (Civil Division).

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Yellowstone County?

$50.00 civil filing fee; $30.00 appearance fee.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Yellowstone County?

Montana Legal Services Association (MontanaLawHelp.org).

What is the fair market rent in Yellowstone County?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,417 per month (1-bedroom: $1,109).

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.