Bill > HB277

This bill aims to establish a minimum 2-year lease term for mobile home lot rentals in Montana, addressing housing stability concerns for mobile home residents. The legislation changes existing rental agreement laws to require landlords to offer leases of at least two years, with an important exception that allows tenants to voluntarily waive this requirement through a documented, informed consent. If either the landlord or tenant terminates the lease before the two-year term expires, the aggrieved party may be entitled to damages of up to one month's rent. The bill's context is rooted in Montana's current housing crisis, recognizing that mobile homes are not easily relocated and that short-term, month-to-month leases provide inadequate housing security. By mandating longer lease terms, the legislation seeks to provide more stability for mobile home residents, potentially helping them qualify for additional housing funding programs and protect them from arbitrary evictions. The bill also updates related statutory language to reflect the new minimum lease term requirement, including modifications to holdover remedies and provisions for lease termination.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3177