Montana Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Montana facts

Security deposit deadline

30 days after the tenancy ends (or after surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is first) when the landlord makes deductions; Mont. Code Ann. § 70-25-202(1)(a)-(b)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

3 days' written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate; agreement terminates if rent is not paid within 3 days. Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-422(2)

Small claims limit

$7,000, not counting costs, for money or specific personal property, and the defendant must be servable in the county where the case is filed. Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-502

Small estate affidavit

30 days after death, a successor may collect money owed to the deceased, tangible personal property, and stock or other instruments by giving an affidavit stating that the probate estate, wherever located, less liens… Mont. Code Ann. § 72-3-1101

Cost of a protective order

Free. There is no cost to file a petition or to serve an order of protection, inside or outside the issuing court's area. MCA 40-15-204(8)

Minimum wage

$10.85 per hour in 2026. A business not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act with gross annual sales of $110,000 or less may pay $4.00 per hour, but employees individually covered by federal law must get the… Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Minimum Wage

Final paycheck if fired

If an employee is fired for cause or laid off, final wages are due immediately, unless the employer has a written policy allowing payment by the next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever comes first. MCA 39-3-205(2)

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for an action on a contract or obligation founded on a written instrument. Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-202(1)