Renters' Rights (Youth & Young Adult Legal Issues Edition)

• Can I sign a rental agreement if I am under the age of 18?
• When can my landlord enter my rental?
• What steps can I take to get my landlord to make needed repairs?
• What can I do if I’m having issues with roommates or neighbors?
• When can my landlord raise the rent?
• What happens if I break my lease?
• What can I do if my landlord locks me out?
• How do I get my security deposit back?
• Are there ways to prove housing discrimination?
• What can I do about bed bugs!?

1. Read the court paperwork and figure out your deadline to file a written answer.
2. Contact MLSA. We can talk you through the process.
3. Download, print, or fill out the free court forms found on [MontanaLawHelp.org] to file an answer to the lawsuit.
4. File the answer with the Clerk of Court and mail a copy to your landlord.
5. Attend all your hearings and mediation (if ordered).

No, there are different rules that apply to these kinds of renters

• Renters who own their mobile home and only rent the lot;
• Renters who receive government assistance with their rent;
• Renters in tribal communities;

Domestic violence is one of the primary causes of homelessness. Within MLSA, we have a Domestic Violence Legal Services Group and the Montana Crime Victims Group, working hard to aid those surviving abuse. If you are housed with an abusive family member or partner, we can help you understand your rights. There are options available to you when you are ready.

Legal Help

• Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides free civil, non-criminal legal help to eligible clients. Apply for free legal help by calling 1-800-666-6899 or applying online.
• Contact your nearest Self Help Law Center for free legal information and forms.

Legal Forms

• You have a right to ask for a Fair Hearing if there is a decision about your public benefits that you don't agree with. The benefits office will include information about this right and how to request a Fair Hearing in their letters to you. In general, you don't need a specific form to ask for a Fair Hearing.

Non-Legal Resources

• The Youth Homelessness Development Project (YHDP) is designed to support Montana service providers in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness. More information is avaliable at the YHDP website.
• County resource guides provide an up-to-date listof avaliable help centers.