Cal. Civ. Code § 70-27-206
Treble Damages
Operative Text
If a person recovers damages for a forcible or unlawful entry in or upon or detention of any building or cultivated real property, judgment may be entered for three times the amount at which the actual damages are assessed.
Under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-27-206, when a court finds that someone has been harmed by a forcible or unlawful entry onto, or unlawful detention of, a building or cultivated real property, the court has the authority to multiply the actual damages awarded by three. This treble-damages provision is designed to deter wrongful entries and detentions by making the financial consequences significantly greater than the underlying harm alone. The tripling is not automatic but is available as a remedy once actual damages are established.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-27-206 creates a serious financial exposure for property owners or managers who engage in self-help evictions, unauthorized entries, or other conduct that could be characterized as forcible or unlawful entry or detention. Operators who follow proper legal eviction and entry procedures—such as providing required notice before entering and using court-supervised eviction processes—generally avoid the circumstances that trigger this treble-damages remedy. Keeping documented records of notices, court filings, and the timeline of any possession dispute is a practice consistent with compliance in this area.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mont. Code Ann. § 70-27-206 gives tenants who have suffered a forcible or unlawful entry or an unlawful detention of their home a potential path to recovering up to three times their actual damages in court. This provision can be relevant when a landlord changes locks, removes belongings, or otherwise takes possession of a rental unit without going through the proper legal process. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may wish to document all relevant events and consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the options available under Montana law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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