Montana lawmaker advocates for community land trusts and landlord tenant reforms

In the heart of Missoula, a passionate discussion unfolded at the recent Socialism Speaker Series, focusing on a pressing issue that resonates deeply with many residents: housing. The meeting, held on July 15, 2025, brought together community members and leaders who are eager to tackle the challenges of housing affordability and tenant rights in Montana.

One of the key voices at the meeting emphasized the urgent need for reform in landlord-tenant relations, highlighting the necessity of gaining additional seats in the state legislature to push through meaningful policy changes. The speaker pointed out that the current Landlord Tenant Act often favors landlords, creating barriers for renters who struggle to build capital for homeownership. “If you are a renter, somebody's siphoning your hard-earned money, and you have no way to build capital to get into a home,” they lamented, underscoring the frustration many feel in the current housing market.

The discussion also turned to innovative solutions, particularly the community land trust model, which aims to provide affordable housing options. This model allows individuals to lease land for a century while owning their homes, significantly reducing costs compared to the general market. For instance, while the average home in Missoula hovers around $600,000, a community land trust home can be about half that price. This approach not only helps retirees downsize without losing their generational wealth but also promotes mobility within the housing market, allowing more people to enter homeownership.

The speaker outlined recent regulatory changes aimed at easing housing development, such as limiting city council restrictions on building heights and reducing parking space requirements for smaller units. These measures are designed to encourage more housing construction and facilitate movement within the market, ultimately driving down prices.

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The speaker noted that the current legislative environment is heavily influenced by landlord interests, which complicates efforts to pass tenant-friendly policies. They expressed hope for the next legislative session, where a suite of bills aimed at reforming landlord-tenant relations could be introduced, contingent on gaining the necessary legislative support.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the fight for equitable housing in Missoula is far from over. The community remains committed to advocating for policies that promote fairness and accessibility in the housing market, with the hope that future discussions will lead to tangible changes that benefit all residents.