MCA §70-23-607
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Unit Ownership Act — Claim for Common Expenses; Lien Priority

Establishes an association lien for unpaid common expenses. The lien is prior to all other liens except tax and assessment liens and a first mortgage or trust indenture of record. No super-priority period exists — the first mortgage always takes priority. Claim must be recorded in the county, verified by oath, and include the amount due, owner name, and property description.

Status Active
Effective Jan 1, 1965
Verified Apr 15, 2026
Source Official text

Reviewed · Montana changes feed

Statutory Text Verified Aug 5, 2026 · OTHER
70-23-607. Claim for common expenses -- priority of lien -- contents -- recording, MCA Toggle navigation MCA Contents Search Help Part Contents  Previous Section Next Section  MCA Contents TITLE 70 CHAPTER 23 Part 6 70-23-607 Claim for common expenses -- priority of lien -- contents -- recording Montana Code Annotated 2025 TITLE 70. PROPERTY CHAPTER 23. UNIT OWNERSHIP ACT -- CONDOMINIUMS Part 6. Conveyances, Liens, and Common Expenses Claim For Common Expenses -- Priority Of Lien -- Contents -- Recording 70-23-607 . Claim for common expenses -- priority of lien -- contents -- recording. (1) Whenever an association of unit owners acting through its manager furnishes to a unit any services, labor, or material lawfully chargeable as common expenses, the association of unit owners, upon complying with subsection (2) of this section, shall have a lien upon the individual unit and the undivided interest in the common elements appertaining to such unit for the reasonable value of such common expenses, and the lien shall be prior to all other liens or encumbrances upon the unit except: (a) tax and assessment liens; and (b) a first mortgage or trust indenture of record. (2) An association of unit owners claiming the benefits of subsection (1) of this section shall record in the county in which the unit or some part thereof is located a claim containing: (a) a true statement of the account due for such common expenses after deducting all just credits and offsets; (b) the name of the owner of the unit or reputed owner, if known; (c) a description of the property where the common expenses were furnished and the designation of the unit, sufficient for identification. (3) The claim shall be verified by the oath of some person having knowledge of the facts and shall be filed with and recorded by the recording officer in the book kept for the purpose of recording liens filed under Title 71, chapter 3, part 5. The record shall be indexed as deeds and other conveyances are required by law to be indexed. History:  En. Sec. 26, Ch. 120, L. 1965; R.C.M. 1947, 67-2326; amd. Sec. 15, Ch. 202, L. 1987. Disclaimer: The Internet version of the Montana Code Annotated is provided as a research tool to users of the Code. In case of inconsistencies resulting from omissions or other errors, the printed version will prevail.
Assessment
Ref Requirement
Establishes an association lien for unpaid common expenses.
Claim must be recorded in the county, verified by oath, and include the amount due, owner name, and property description.
Foreclosure proceedings shall conform to Title 71 Chapter 3 Part 5
No super-priority period exists — the first mortgage always takes priority.
Enforcement
Ref Requirement
The lien is prior to all other liens except tax and assessment liens and a first mortgage or trust indenture of record.
Legal references last verified April 15, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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