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Senate panel hears competing views on renter move-out protections and timelines (SB126)
Summary
SB126 would define “normal wear” for residential move-outs, require receipts/estimates for professional cleaning or repairs, and change the timeline for security-deposit return; supporters said the bill clarifies disputes and helps tenants, while landlord groups argued the draft is vague and could harm property owners or small landlords.
Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, sponsor of Senate Bill 126, told the committee the bill "revises and puts a framework around renter move out procedures," including a definition of normal wear, a limit that landlords "cannot charge more than prevailing costs" for move-out cleaning and repairs, and an extension (as drafted) of the time limit to return security deposits from 10 to 21 days.
Supporters said SB126 would reduce disputes and protect low-income renters and students who lose deposits needed to secure new housing. Amy Hall of Montana Legal Services Association said the bill "adds clarity to the residential tenants security deposits act" and warned that Montana currently lacks a statutory ceiling on deposit amounts, putting some renters at risk.…
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