70-33-406. Landlord's failure to provide essential services -- tenant's remedies. - Montana Statutes

     70-33-406. Landlord's failure to provide essential services -- tenant's remedies. (1) If contrary to the rental agreement or 70-33-303 the landlord purposefully or negligently fails to supply running water, electric, gas, or other essential services, the tenant may give written notice to the landlord specifying the breach and may:
     (a) procure reasonable amounts of running water, electricity, gas, and other essential services during the period of the landlord's noncompliance and deduct the actual and reasonable cost from the rent;
     (b) recover damages based upon the diminution in the fair rental value of the lot; or
     (c) procure reasonable substitute housing during the period of the landlord's noncompliance, in which case the tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the landlord's noncompliance.
     (2) A tenant proceeding under this section may not proceed under 70-33-405 for a landlord's failure to provide essential services.
     (3) The rights of a tenant under this section do not arise until the tenant has given notice to the landlord and the landlord has had a reasonable opportunity to correct the conditions.
     (4) A tenant does not have rights under this section if the conditions were caused by the act or omission of the tenant, a member of the tenant's family, or any other person on the premises with the tenant's consent.

     History: En. Sec. 34, Ch. 267, L. 2007.