Montana Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Montana requires all STR operators to obtain a lodging facility license from the Montana Department of Revenue. The state imposes a combined 7% state lodging rate. Big Sky, Whitefish, and Bozeman are major STR markets.
State lodging facility license required
STR license
4% state lodging tax + 3% lodging sales tax + loca
Occupancy tax / TOT
Under 30 days is short-term
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Montana Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Montana requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for MT short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Montana Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Montana can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: State lodging facility license required — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Montana Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Montana Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Montana vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with MT requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Montana property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Montana occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Montana House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Montana under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Montana Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Montana imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for MT vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 4% state lodging tax + 3% lodging sales tax + local |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in MT |
Sample Montana Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Montana-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF MONTANA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Montana Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Montana Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Montana Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Montana vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Montana Resources
Use these official resources for Montana short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your Montana Vacation Rental Agreement
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