Can a tenant in Montana withhold rent for repairs not made by the landlord?

In Montana, tenants are granted certain rights when it comes to the condition of their rented property, especially regarding habitability. The correct choice states that a tenant can withhold rent if the landlord fails to address significant repairs that affect the property's habitability. This is aligned with Montana's landlord-tenant laws, which require landlords to maintain a rental property in a condition fit for human occupation.

If the necessary repairs are significant—such as issues affecting plumbing, heating, or safety—tenants have the right to expect that these will be addressed in a timely manner. If the landlord neglects these responsibilities, the tenant may have grounds to withhold rent as a means of enforcing their right to a livable environment. This aspect of tenant rights allows for an effective balance between the responsibilities of landlords to manage their properties and the rights of tenants to live in safe and satisfactory conditions.

Understanding the specific conditions under which rent can be withheld is crucial. It's important for tenants to know that they typically must provide written notice to the landlord about any needed repairs before proceeding to withhold rent, making the information in the other choices relevant in the context of landlord communication and the fundamental condition of the rental property. However, the primary basis for rent withholding in this situation hinges