Bill > HB800

This bill revises Montana's landlord and tenant laws to clarify several key provisions. It expands the list of exclusions from residential landlord and tenant regulations to include individuals who are invited to stay at a property but have not established a formal landlord-tenant relationship. Such "invitees" who refuse to leave when asked can now be prosecuted for criminal trespass. The bill also strengthens provisions for removing unauthorized persons or trespassers from a property, requiring law enforcement to immediately remove individuals who cannot produce authorization to be on the premises. For actions concerning possession of property after lease termination, the bill sets specific timelines for court hearings, ranging from 5 to 10 business days depending on the reason for termination. Additionally, the bill provides detailed guidelines for how landlords must handle abandoned personal property, including requirements for notification, storage, and potential sale or disposal, with provisions to protect both landlord and tenant interests. These changes apply to both residential rental properties and mobile home lot rentals, aiming to provide clearer legal processes and protections for property owners and occupants.

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https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4039