Montana Rental Application Overview
Montana is a generally landlord-friendly state with limited screening restrictions. The state does add some protections beyond federal law including marital status and age.
Montana does not cap rental application fees. Fees should be reasonable and related to actual screening costs.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
3x monthly rent (typ
Income requirement
Montana Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Montana does not cap rental application fees. Fees should be reasonable and related to actual screening costs.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Montana has no ban-the-box law for housing. Landlords can consider criminal history without restriction.
Credit Check Requirements
Montana landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions.
Fair Housing Protections
Montana's Human Rights Act adds marital status and age to the list of protected classes for housing.
Montana Screening Criteria
Montana landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Montana state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Montana landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical) is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Montana's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Montana Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Montana rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Montana-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Montana data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Montana landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Montana landlords require income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical).
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Montana does not cap application fees.
Montana Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Montana. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25-$60 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Montana Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Montana-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Montana law.
STATE OF MONTANA
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Montana Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Montana state law...
Montana Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Montana.
Official Montana Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Montana tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Other Montana Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Montana? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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