The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Mont. Code Sections 70-25-101 to 70-25-206, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 30 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Montana generally does not impose a statewide deposit cap, and the landlord usually has 10 days to return the deposit if nothing is withheld or 30 days to send the refund and itemized statement when deductions are claimed.
This dispute type
In Montana, renters usually challenge deposit deductions for scuffs, faded paint, flattened carpet, and similar aging because those issues look more like ordinary use than repairable damage. The statute still controls when the refund had to be sent and how deductions had to be explained.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: Landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit