Q. What is the Western Montana Landlord’s Association?
A.  The Western Montana Landlord’s Association (WMLA) is a group of people dedicated to teaching and learning how to become a responsible and knowledgeable landlord.  We are a non-profit organization.

Q.  Who are the members of the WMLA?
A.  The members of this organization are professional property managers and private landlords who manage their own rental property.

Q.  What are the benefits of becoming a member of the WMLA?
A.  You benefit from becoming a member in many ways. 1) We have an attorney on retainer who is available to answer legal questions.  He also offers a discount on his legal fees to members of our Association.  2) You have at your disposal the availability of all forms recommended by the WMLA.  These forms have been researched and are kept up to date according to state laws.  3) You benefit from the experience of the other members.  They provide suggestions and insights into things which they have already experienced.  4) We monitor the legislative sessions in order to try to keep the laws fair to both landlords and tenants.

Q. What do my dues go for?
A.  Your dues are allocated between the cost of postage and printing; they also pay our attorney’s retainer fee, a lobbyist’s fee, the cost of our newsletter, web site accountant, for educational seminars, and any additional expenses which arise during the year.

Q.  Do I have to become a member of your Association to have and manage my own rental property?
A.  No, but it is recommended that you do join for the educational aspect alone.  There are many more pitfalls in being a landlord than you may realize.  As one judge recently put it “lack of knowledge of the law is no excuse for breaking it”.  You stand to lose a lot by not knowing what the pitfalls are and how to avoid them.

Q. Can I get your forms even if I’m not a member?
A. No.  These forms are copyrighted to the WMLA; only current members whose dues are paid in full are eligible to obtain these forms.

Q. Why do I want to join the WMLA?
A.  By joining the Association, you may come to all membership meetings.  These meetings are held the second Tuesday in every month except for the months of June, July and August, at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at various conference rooms in Missoula.  We always try to have educational and informative speakers at these meetings.

Q.  Why do you want me to join the WMLA?
A.  We would like you to join our Association, because it is our goal to have well informed and educated landlords in our community.  We feel that by education landlords, there is a stronger understanding between the landlord and tenant which will promote harmony within the community.

Q.  Is it expensive to join the WMLA?
A.  No. The cost is $50 per year for a landlord with 50 units or less, and $75 per year for those with over 50 units.

Q.  How do I become a member?
A.  You can apply by contacting:  The Western MT Landlord’s Association, PO Box 3613, Missoula, MT 59806.  We will be happy to send you an application for membership. Or, you can download and print an application by clicking on the link above!

Q.  If I have a property manager, why should I join WMLA?
A.  So you can keep up with changes in the law and make informed decisions.

Q. Why is it smart to rent from a WMLA member?
A. WMLA members know good business practices and the law – including your rights as a renter.
WMLA works to promote good landlord tenant relations.  WMLA initiated discussion with JP courts which led to the use of mediation as the initial step in landlord tenant legal actions.

• GOOD TENANTS WANT GOOD LANDLORDS.
• TENANTS WANT A SAFE AND PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE.
• A GOOD TENANT CAN USE THE LANDORD AS A CREDIT REFERENCE.

WHAT DOES A LANDLORD WANT FROM A TENANT?