Montana Security Deposit Return Letter

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding or Last Known Address]]
[[City]], Montana [[ZIP Code]]

FROM (Landlord or Authorized Property Manager): [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Montana [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone Number]]
Email: [[Landlord Email Address]]

RE: Return of Security Deposit, Premises at [[Rental Property Full Address]], [[City]], Montana [[ZIP Code]]

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s) or "Tenant"]],

This letter concerns the security deposit in the amount of $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]] that you paid in connection with the residential lease for the above-referenced Premises. Your tenancy terminated and possession was delivered on [[Move-Out / Possession Delivery Date]].

1. Statutory Return Deadline (MCA § 70-25-202)

Under the Montana Security Deposit Act (MCA §§ 70-25-101 through 70-25-206), the landlord must return the security deposit or any remaining balance, together with an itemized written statement of deductions, within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the Premises. If no deductions are claimed, the deposit must be returned within 10 days.

2. Itemized Statement of Deductions

The following is a complete itemized statement of all deductions from your security deposit. Each deduction is for a permitted purpose under Montana law: unpaid rent, cleaning to restore the Premises to its condition at the beginning of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted), repair of damage beyond normal wear and tear, or costs of keys or locks not returned.

3. Supporting Documentation

Attached to this letter are copies of receipts, invoices, estimates, and/or photographs documenting the deductions claimed above. Per good practice and to support any disputed amounts, detailed records are provided for all items.

4. Permissible Deductions and Normal Wear and Tear

Deductions are limited to those expressly permitted by MCA § 70-25-201 et seq. Landlord has not charged for normal wear and tear, including but not limited to ordinary carpet wear from foot traffic, minor nail holes from hanging pictures, faded paint, or other conditions resulting from normal use of the Premises over the tenancy period.

5. Forwarding Address and Good Faith Effort

You provided the forwarding address shown above. If this address is incorrect or if you have not provided a current forwarding address, Landlord has made (or will make) a good-faith effort to locate you using the contact information on file and public records to deliver or mail the deposit and statement.

6. Payment Method

The balance due (if any) is being returned by:

☐ Check number [[Check Number]] enclosed with this letter, drawn on [[Bank Name]].

☐ Electronic transfer / direct deposit to the account you designated: [[Last 4 of Account or "N/A"]].

☐ Other: [[Describe Payment Method]].

7. Pre-Move-Out Inspection (If Offered)

Prior to your move-out, Landlord offered (or you declined) a joint pre-move-out inspection to identify conditions that could be remedied before vacating. Any items noted during that inspection that remained unremedied are reflected in the deductions above.

8. Tenant Acknowledgment and Dispute Procedure

If you disagree with any deduction or the amount returned, please provide written notice of your dispute, including supporting documentation, to the address above within a reasonable time. Landlord will respond promptly. Disputes that cannot be resolved may be pursued in the appropriate Montana court. Landlord who wrongfully withholds a deposit may be liable to the tenant for actual damages plus reasonable attorney fees (MCA § 70-25-206).

9. Contact for Questions

If you have questions about this accounting or the condition of the Premises, please contact:

[[Landlord or Manager Name]]
Phone: [[Phone]]
Email: [[Email]]

Thank you for your tenancy.

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Name]]

Signature: ________________________________ Date: [[Date of Letter]]

Title: [[Landlord / Property Manager]]

10. Additional Tenant Protections and Landlord Duties

Landlord has complied with the duty to make a good-faith effort to return the deposit. No automatic treble damages apply under Montana law for wrongful withholding; however, bad faith may support additional liability for actual damages and attorney fees. Tenant retains all rights to pursue claims in the proper forum.

11. Record Retention

Landlord will retain copies of this letter, all supporting documentation, photographs, receipts, the original lease, and move-in/move-out checklists for a minimum of three years or as required by applicable record retention policies and law.

12. Sample Deduction Categories (For Reference)

The following are common categories of permissible deductions (not an exhaustive list):

1. Unpaid or partially paid rent, including any holdover rent.

2. Costs to professionally clean carpets, appliances, bathrooms, kitchens, and other surfaces to return the Premises to move-in condition (normal wear excepted).

3. Repair or replacement of damaged doors, walls, floors, windows, screens, light fixtures, or appliances caused by Tenant, occupants, or guests beyond normal use.

4. Cost to re-key locks or replace lost or unreturned keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys, or access fobs.

5. Removal and disposal of abandoned personal property left after termination (after proper notice).

6. Costs to remedy unauthorized alterations or damage from pets (urine, chewing, excessive scratching) not covered by a pet deposit or addendum.

13. How to Request a Copy of the Move-In Condition Checklist or Photos

If you did not receive or retain a copy of the move-in inventory or photographs taken at the start of your tenancy, you may request copies by writing to the address above. Landlord will provide them within a reasonable time.

14. Forwarding Address Confirmation

Please confirm or update your forwarding address below if the address on this letter is no longer current:

New Forwarding Address: [[Updated Forwarding Address if Different]]

15. Acknowledgment of Receipt of Deposit Accounting

Tenant acknowledges receipt of this letter and the accounting of the security deposit (check one):

☐ I received the deposit balance and itemization on or about the date of this letter.

☐ I have questions or a dispute (attach written statement and supporting documents).

Tenant Signature (optional but recommended for records): ______________________________ Date: _________, -

Enclosures (as applicable):
- Copy of this letter
- Itemized deduction worksheet / receipts / photos
- Check (if applicable)
- Move-in / move-out condition checklist comparison
- Other: [[List Other Enclosures]], -

DISCLAIMER

This is a template letter. It is not legal advice. Security deposit return deadlines, itemization requirements, and remedies are governed by the Montana Security Deposit Act (MCA Title 70, Chapter 25). Requirements may vary with local ordinances or specific lease terms. Landlords must act in good faith and retain documentation. Consult a qualified Montana attorney for your situation. Verify all citations and procedures against current primary sources as of the date of use.