House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise the Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act by establishing a Montana Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program, which will be managed by the Department of Commerce. The bill mandates the department to create and distribute educational materials on landlord and tenant rights, facilitate complaint filings, and provide remedies for violations. It also requires mobile home parks to register, collect fees, and establish a dispute resolution account. Key provisions include a structured complaint process, penalties for non-compliance, and a right of first refusal for tenants when a mobile home park is sold, ensuring that landlords notify tenants of their intent to sell and allowing tenant organizations to compete for purchase.

The bill amends Section 70-33-103 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to update definitions related to landlord-tenant relationships. Notable insertions include the definitions of "complainant," which now includes landlords, tenants, or their representatives, and "eligible organization," which encompasses community land trusts and nonprofit housing organizations. The introduction of the term "resident association" defines a formal organization of tenants in a mobile home park. Additionally, the bill clarifies the role of "respondent" as landlords or tenants accused of violations and includes other definitions to enhance understanding. These amendments aim to provide clearer definitions and strengthen the legal framework governing landlord-tenant relationships in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1(1): 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1(2): 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1(3): 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1(4): 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1(5): 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1(6): 17-7-502, 70-33-103
HB0305_1: 17-7-502, 70-33-103