House Joint Resolution No. HJ 55 requests an interim study of the licensing standards, education, and practices of property management in Montana. The resolution highlights the role of property managers in managing residential and commercial properties and notes that they must obtain a license through education and training approved by the Department of Labor and Industry. It emphasizes the need for oversight, as the current system does not adequately monitor the costs associated with property management, which have contributed to rising rental prices. Additionally, it points out that foreign corporations and investment groups are not required to have licensed property managers, potentially compromising the quality of rental properties.
The resolution calls for the Legislative Council to designate an appropriate committee to review various aspects of property management, including licensing and fee requirements, compliance with the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and the costs incurred by landowners and tenants. The committee is also tasked with examining education requirements from other states to identify best practices. Stakeholder feedback will be solicited, and the study's findings must be presented to the designated committee before September 15, 2026, with a final report to be submitted to the 70th Legislature.