Mold in Rental Properties — Landlords & Tenants

Montana law (MCA 70-16-703, the Mold Disclosure Act) says sellers and landlords who know of mold in a property must disclose it, including any prior testing, the results and any mitigation done. The law also describes an optional standard disclosure form that, when used, provides the landlord certain immunity. For how the statute applies to your lease or situation, talk to a Montana attorney.

It depends on the cause and the lease, and the answer is often disputed. Mold from a roof leak, plumbing failure or missing bath fan generally points toward the property; mold from a tenant blocking vents or never running the fan points the other way. The inspection report, moisture readings and photos we provide are the evidence both sides need. We do not give legal advice; an attorney or tenant resource can.

The date of the complaint, photos of the area, the moisture source once found, the inspection or test results, what remediation was done and when, and the written moisture-fix completed afterward. Keep it all with the unit file. Beyond resolving the complaint, that record is what you will need to satisfy the Mold Disclosure Act for the next tenant or a future buyer.

A small contained area in a bathroom, the most common student-rental call, typically runs $500 to $1,500 in the Bozeman area. An inspection with sampling runs $300 to $700 and a clearance test after work $200 to $400. Basements and water losses cost more. Our cost guide lays out every range so you can budget before you call.

Yes. Tenants can book an inspection to get independent documentation of what is growing and why, which is often the thing that moves a landlord to act. Remediation that involves opening walls or removing materials needs the property owner’s authorization, so we encourage tenants to share the report with their landlord first. If the conversation stalls, a Montana attorney or tenant resource can explain your options.