Independent U.S. housing informationAbout this resource
Urgent help
Menu

Housing assistance in Montana

In Montana, the Department of Commerce's Housing Division runs the statewide Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program alongside local housing authorities in cities such as Billings, Missoula and Great Falls. Winter energy assistance (LIHEAP) is run by DPHHS through local eligibility offices and Tribal LIHEAP offices, with applications taken October 1 to April 30. State law bars local governments from controlling rents on private property.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Montana Department of Commerce, Housing Division (statewide Housing Choice Voucher program)HelenaPublic housing agencyHomeFront (formerly Housing Authority of Billings)BillingsPublic housing agencyMissoula Housing AuthorityMissoulaPublic housing agencyGreat Falls Housing AuthorityGreat FallsPublic housing agency Montana Board of HousingStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in MontanaHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Montana

Energy and utility bills

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Montana DPHHS, Human and Community Services Division

    Pays part of winter heating bills and may help with furnace emergencies, for homeowners and renters. Apply October 1 to April 30 by sending the combined LIHEAP/Weatherization application to your local eligibility office or Tribal LIHEAP office.

    Call 406-444-1788

Free legal help

  • Montana Legal Services Association HelpLine Montana Legal Services Association

    Free civil legal aid, including help with housing problems, for eligible low-income Montanans. Apply online or through the HelpLine.

    Call 1-800-666-6899
  • MontanaLawHelp.org Montana Legal Services Association

    Free do-it-yourself legal information and court forms, with an option to ask questions through AskKarla.org or apply for legal help.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Montana

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap. Montana's security deposit law (MCA Title 70, chapter 25) sets rules for deductions and refunds but no maximum amount.

MCA 70-25-101 to 70-25-206

Deposit return deadline

If there are no unpaid rent, damage or cleaning charges, the deposit must be returned within 10 days. If there are deductions, the landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends or the unit is surrendered (whichever comes first) to give the tenant a written list of charges and pay back the difference.

MCA 70-25-202

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

3 days' written notice of nonpayment. If the tenant does not pay within 3 days, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement.

MCA 70-24-422

Landlord entry notice

At least 24 hours' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. Notice can be given to the tenant directly or posted on the main entry door. No notice is needed in an emergency or when giving notice is impractical.

MCA 70-24-312

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: local governments may not control the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property.

MCA 7-1-111(26)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed for repairs costing no more than 1 month's rent, if the tenant gave the landlord notice and the landlord did not make the repairs within a reasonable time. Emergency repairs must be done by a qualified person. A tenant can also give written notice to terminate if a breach is not fixed within 14 days (3 working days in an emergency).

MCA 70-24-406

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Montana

More local contacts: HUD’s Montana resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. MCA Title 70, Chapter 25, Part 2 sections indexMontana Legislature
  2. MCA 70-25-201 Security deposit deductionsMontana Legislature
  3. MCA 70-25-202 List of damages and refundMontana Legislature
  4. MCA 70-24-422 Tenant noncomplianceMontana Legislature
  5. MCA 70-24-312 AccessMontana Legislature
  6. MCA 7-1-111 Powers deniedMontana Legislature
  7. MCA 70-24-406 Tenant remediesMontana Legislature
  8. Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)Montana DPHHS
  9. Montana Legal Services AssociationMontana Legal Services Association
  10. MontanaLawHelp.orgMontana Legal Services Association
  11. Rental AssistanceMontana Department of Commerce
  12. HomeFrontHomeFront
  13. Missoula Housing AuthorityMissoula Housing Authority
  14. Great Falls Housing AuthorityGreat Falls Housing Authority