Title

Evictions

As of May 22, 2023, Montana laws regarding evictions have changed. A renter now has only 5 business days after being served with eviction papers to file a written Answer to Eviction with the Clerk of Court where the eviction lawsuit was filed. Please do not wait to file your written Answer.

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Find information and forms for eviction.
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Information

25 Things to Know Before You Go to Court

By: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Learn how to make an objection, call and question witnesses, introduce exhibits and evidence, and more tips for representing yourself in court.

Lockouts

By: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Information about what to do if your landlord threatens to lock you out of your apartment or has locked you out.

What is a Legal Notice to Vacate?

By: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Learn what Montana law says is a valid notice to vacate. Download a free form that you can send to your landlord to tell them if the notice they sent you wasn’t valid.

Your Section 8 Rights: Evictions and Terminations

By: California Courts Self-Help Center

Learn about evictions and lease terminations in the federal housing programs that exist in all 50 states -- the Housing Choice Voucher (also called "Section 8") program and project-based housing assistance.

Common Questions

Answer to Eviction (Interactive Form)

By: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Use a free interactive program to create court forms to file an Answer to Eviction. You only have 5 business days after you were served with eviction court papers to file an Answer to Eviction.
You can use these forms if your landlord sued you in Justice Court and got a judgment against you because you did not file a written answer or you did not appear in court. This can also be called a default judgment or a judgment for possession. You must have a good reason for why you didn’t file a written answer or appear in court. It’s up to the court to decide whether you had a good reason.

Improper Notice to Vacate Letter (write-in-the-blank form)

By: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)

Download a free legal form to tell your landlord that the notice to vacate your landlord gave you is not proper under the law. Do not use this form if you own a mobile home and rent only the lot that it sits on.

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