How to Look Up Eviction Records in Montana 2026

Where to Search Montana Eviction Records

Montana Unlawful Detainer (eviction) cases are filed in the Justice Court (small claims) or District Court. There is no unified statewide online portal for Justice Court records; contact the court clerk in the relevant county. Source: MCA § 70-27-101 et seq.

Step-by-Step: How to Search Montana Eviction Records

1. Identify the county court. Find the Justice Court or District Court website for the county where the property is located.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Consider how old the record is — most tenant-screening best practices recommend discounting records older than 5–7 years.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the Justice Court or District Court clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.50/page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in Montana?

Montana Unlawful Detainer (eviction) cases are filed in the Justice Court (small claims) or District Court. There is no unified statewide online portal for Justice Court records; contact the court clerk in the relevant county. Source: MCA § 70-27-101 et seq.

Are eviction court records public in Montana?

Yes — eviction court records in Montana are presumptively public under Montana's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public.

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in Montana?

Montana does not currently have a general statutory right to expunge or seal eviction court records. The record of an eviction filing remains in the court's public file unless the court orders it impounded in a specific case.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in Montana?

In Montana, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.50/page. Fees are set by the Justice Court or District Court and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related Montana Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the Montana court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published Montana statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.