Rent Increases
by: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)
Private Housing
How much can a landlord raise my rent?
The law in Montana does not limit the amount your landlord can charge you for rent. There is no rent control in Montana to regulate how much the landlord can raise your rent at any one time.
When can a landlord raise my rent?
Month-to-month tenancy: If you rent month-to-month, the landlord must give you written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before the change becomes effective.
Week-to-week tenancy: If you rent week-to-week, the landlord must give you written notice of a rent increase at least 7 days before the change becomes effective.
Written Rental Agreement tenancy: If you have a written rental agreement, your rent cannot be increased until after the term of the lease expires. The exception is when you and the other party both agree on a rent increase.
What if I cannot afford the rent increase?
If you cannot afford, or do not agree with a lawful rent increase, your only option is to move.
Subsidized Housing [such as Housing Choice Voucher (or Section 8 Voucher) and Public Housing]
What is the highest amount a tenant can be required to pay in rent?
30% of the household monthly adjusted income.
What if our household income changes?
Any household that receives housing assistance must report any change in household income. You must report to the housing authority or other public agency that administers the housing assistance program.
The housing authority or other agency must review your household income at least annually, even if there are no changes. This review is called "recertification." If you don't cooperate with the recertification, you may lose your housing assistance.
If your household income decreases, you must report the change. Then the housing authority or other agency must re-calculate your share of the rent. Generally, the new lower amount of rent will take effect on the first of the month after you report the change.
If your household income increases, you must report the change. Then the housing authority or other agency must re-calculate your share of the rent. Generally, the new higher amount of rent will take effect 30 days after you receive written notice of the rent increase.
What if someone moves out of our household, or if we want to add someone to our household?
Any change in the members of your household can affect your rent. Report any change to the housing authority or other public agency that administers your housing assistance program. If you fail to report a change, you could lose your housing assistance. Before adding any household member, be sure to get the housing authority or other agency's written permission.
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