What recourse do tenants have against illegal eviction in Montana?

Tenants in Montana who experience illegal eviction have the option to seek damages through the court system, which provides a formal legal recourse. When a tenant is unlawfully evicted—such as being forced out without proper notice, or without following legal eviction procedures—they can file a lawsuit against the landlord. This legal action can lead to compensatory damages for any losses suffered as a result of the eviction, including relocation costs and other associated damages.

This approach allows tenants to leverage the judicial system to hold landlords accountable for their actions and helps ensure that their rights are upheld. The court can also address issues of wrongful eviction and may place an additional burden on the landlord to comply with legal eviction procedures in the future.

While contacting local law enforcement might be a step for immediate safety concerns, it does not directly address the issue of illegal eviction in terms of seeking compensation or holding the landlord accountable legally. Reporting the landlord to media or filing a complaint with a landlord's association may raise awareness or contribute to other forms of accountability, but they do not offer the same legal remedy or enforceability as taking action through the court system.