Sec. 2.09.120. - Definitions.
A.
The following words and phrases, whenever used in division, have the meanings ascribed
to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
1.
"Tenant" means a person residing within the city who is entitled under a rental agreement
to occupy a residential dwelling unit to the exclusion of others, who has no ownership
interest in the property, and who is a signatory on the rental agreement.
2.
"Landlord" means a person or entity that owns residential property within the city
and who has entered an agreement to rent the property to one or more tenants. For
the purposes of this division, a duly authorized property management company or manager
may act on behalf of a landlord, with permission, as herein defined.
3.
"Covered proceeding" means proceedings related to a tenant's residence including but
not limited to mediation, civil actions by a landlord for possession, damage claims,
counterclaims including claims for return of a security deposit, a tenant's claims
related to maintenance of the property, and an appeal of any such proceedings.
4.
"Legal services" means civil legal representation and all related legal advice, advocacy,
and assistance associated with such representation provided by an attorney licensed
to practice law in Montana and employed or associated with a service provider contracted
by the city, consistent with the attorney's obligations established by the Montana
Rules of Professional Responsibility.
5.
"Mediation services" means mediation conducted by a mediator with specific training
in landlord and tenant law and related issues.
(Ord. No. 2025-11, § 1, 12-16-2025)