House Joint Resolution No. 41, introduced by Representatives J. Karlen, S. Howell, L. Muszkiewicz, G. Nikolakakos, and Z. Zephyr, calls for an interim study of the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act, both of which will celebrate their 50th anniversaries during the next legislative session. The resolution highlights the importance of sound landlord-tenant laws for the approximately 30% of Montanans who rent their homes, as well as the significant role of manufactured housing in providing affordable options. The study aims to review and identify outdated provisions in these laws, examine policies from other states, and assess the impact of private equity ownership on housing affordability and tenant protections.

The resolution requests that the Legislative Council designate an appropriate interim committee to conduct the study, which will include soliciting feedback from various stakeholders such as renters, landlords, and housing policy experts. The findings and conclusions of the study are to be presented to a designated committee and reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026. This comprehensive approach aims to modernize and reform Montana's landlord-tenant laws to better reflect current realities and improve housing security for residents.