This bill aims to revise short-term rental laws in Montana by establishing that short-term rentals are considered a residential use of property rather than a commercial or business use. It introduces new legal language that clarifies this definition, stating that unless explicitly stated otherwise in a covenant or homeowners' association bylaws, short-term rentals will be classified as residential. The bill also amends the definition of "short-term rental" in Section 15-68-101 to include multifamily dwelling units and portions of dwelling units, thereby broadening the scope of what constitutes a short-term rental.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $1,000 from the general fund to the Department of Revenue for updating regulations related to homeowners' associations. It specifies that the new provisions will apply retroactively to existing covenants and bylaws that do not clearly address short-term rentals, ensuring that the new classification is applicable to a wide range of residential properties. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-68-101, 70-24-104