Important: In Missoula, neither the City nor County provides code enforcement for private rental housing. If you have a habitability issue, you must take action yourself using the resources below. For general legal problems, the organizations listed here can help with many civil matters.

General Law Resources & Organizations

  • Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)
    Free civil legal aid for low‑income Montanans. Handles housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and more.
    Phone: 1-800-666-6899
    Website: mtlsa.org
  • State Bar of Montana – Lawyer Referral Service
    Connects you with licensed attorneys for a low‑cost initial consultation. Not free, but can help find affordable representation.
    Phone: (406) 447-2200
    Website: montanabar.org/LRS
  • Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – Montana Grantees
    Federal funding for civil legal aid. Lists all Montana programs offering free help for low‑income individuals.
    Website: lsc.gov/montana
  • University of Montana School of Law – Clinical Programs
    Law students provide free legal assistance under faculty supervision. Areas include criminal defense, civil rights, elder law, and more.
    Phone: (406) 243-4311
    Website: umt.edu/law/clinics
  • Montana Law Help (MT Law Help)
    Plain‑language legal information, self‑help forms, and court resources for people without lawyers.
    Website: montanalawhelp.org
  • Montana Legal Justice Foundation
    Nonprofit that provides pro bono legal services for immigration, human trafficking, and other civil rights cases.
    Phone: (406) 396-2365
    Website: montanalegaljustice.org
  • Missoula Public Law Library
    Free access to legal databases, research assistance, and self‑help materials. Open to the public.
    Address: 201 E. Main St, Missoula, MT 59802
    Phone: (406) 258-3400

Free & Low‑Cost Legal Help (Tenant & Housing Focus)

  • Missoula Office – Montana Legal Services
    241 W. Main St, Missoula, MT 59802
    Phone: (406) 543-8340
  • Montana Fair Housing
    Investigates housing discrimination and provides education on fair housing rights. If you face discrimination based on race, disability, family status, etc., contact them.
    Phone: (406) 542-6600
    Website: montanafairhousing.org
  • Montana Department of Commerce – Housing Division
    Provides general information about landlord‑tenant laws. Does not provide legal representation or enforce individual complaints.
    Phone: (406) 841-2840
  • Small Claims Court – Missoula County Justice Court
    You can sue your landlord for damages (e.g., withheld deposit, repair costs) in small claims court without a lawyer. Filing fee is typically around $50.
    Address: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802
    Phone: (406) 258-3310

Tenant Organizing Support

Join a tenant union! Collective bargaining is often more effective than individual action. Contact us to get started.

Email: missoulaneighborsunited@pm.me

Contact Organizers

Additional Tips

  • Document everything – keep copies of all letters, emails, and photos of problems.
  • Send letters via certified mail – get proof of delivery.
  • Know your rights – review our Know Your Rights summary.
  • Never withhold rent without legal advice – it can lead to eviction.