Montana Eviction Notice Template (MCA § 70-24-422)
Before a landlord can file an eviction case, most states require a written notice that tells the tenant what is wrong and how long they have to fix it or move out. Answer the questions below to create a clear, professional notice — then check it against your state and local rules before you serve it.
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Free to preview[Landlord or property manager name]
[Your address and phone for the tenant to reach you]
October 15, 2026
To: [Tenant name(s)]
and all other occupants of
[Rental property address]
Re: [Type of notice] — [Rental property address]
Dear [Tenant name(s)],
This letter is formal written notice to you as the tenant of the property at [Rental property address]. Type of notice: [Type of notice].
The reason for this notice is as follows:
[Reason for this notice]
Within [Notice period in days] days after this notice is delivered to you, you must [What the tenant must do within that time]. If this notice is delivered to you on October 15, 2026, that period ends on October 15, 2026.
This notice is given under Montana Code Annotated § 70-24-422, which requires written notice to the tenant before a landlord may terminate the rental agreement for nonpayment of rent or another violation.
If you do not do so within that time, I intend to file an eviction case with the court to recover possession of the property. You will have the opportunity to respond in court, and you may not be removed from the property unless a court orders it. I will not remove you or your belongings or change the locks without a court order.
If you have questions about this notice, or wish to discuss payment or resolving the issue, please contact me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
[Landlord or property manager name]
Date this notice was delivered: ____________________
Method of delivery: ____________________
Delivered by: ____________________
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How eviction notices work in Montana
Under the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord may end a tenancy for unpaid rent if the tenant does not pay within 3 days after written notice. For most other lease violations, the notice must give the tenant 14 days to fix the problem. Some violations, such as unauthorized pets or occupants, carry a 3-day period. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended with at least 30 days' written notice.
The notice should be in writing and should state the problem, what the tenant must do, and the date the tenancy will end if the issue is not fixed. Montana law treats a notice sent by certified mail or with a certificate of mailing as served 3 days after the date of mailing, so the countdown starts later when you mail it. Keep a copy and a record of how it was delivered.
If the tenant does not pay, cure the problem, or move out by the deadline, the landlord's next step is to file an eviction case, called an action for possession, usually in justice or city court. A Montana landlord may not change the locks, remove the tenant, or shut off heat, water, electricity, or other essential services to force a tenant out. Only a court order allows a tenant to be removed, and the sheriff carries out the writ.
What to do, step by step
Check your state and local rules first
Look up the notice period, required wording and delivery method for your state, county and city. Many places set different periods for unpaid rent, lease violations and ending a tenancy, and some cities add their own just-cause rules.
Fill in the notice
Answer the questions above. Name every adult tenant on the lease, state the facts plainly and enter the exact number of days your rules require.
Serve it the way your state requires
States specify how a notice must be delivered — commonly hand delivery, leaving it with an adult at the home, posting and mailing, or certified mail. A notice served the wrong way may have to be redone.
Record how and when you served it
Write down the date, time, method and who delivered it, and keep a copy of the notice. Courts often ask for this proof of service.
Wait out the full notice period
Don't change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities. If the tenant fixes the problem, accept it as your rules require; if not, the next step is filing an eviction case in court.
What if the tenant doesn't respond to the notice?
An eviction notice is not an eviction. It is the written warning most states require before you can go to court. If the notice period ends and the tenant hasn't paid, fixed the violation or moved out, the next step is to file an eviction case — often called an unlawful detainer or summary possession case — with your local court.
Until a judge rules in your favor and a court officer such as a sheriff or marshal carries out the order, the tenant has the right to stay. Changing the locks, removing the tenant's belongings, cutting off utilities or otherwise forcing them out is a so-called self-help eviction, which is illegal in nearly every state and can expose you to damages.
Courts look closely at the notice itself. If the period was too short, the wording missed something your state requires or it was delivered the wrong way, the case can be dismissed and you may have to start over. Your local court's self-help center or a landlord association can tell you what your court expects.
Example Montana eviction notice
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Greenway Rentals LLC
PO Box 2210, Lakeview, MN 55401 · (555) 201-4478
October 5, 2026
To: Taylor Brooks and Jamie Brooks
and all other occupants of
56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402
Re: Notice to pay rent or quit — 56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402
Dear Taylor Brooks and Jamie Brooks,
This letter is formal written notice to you as the tenant of the property at 56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402. Type of notice: Notice to pay rent or quit.
The reason for this notice is as follows:
Rent of $1,450 for the month of September 2026, due on September 1, 2026, has not been paid, despite a reminder sent by email on September 10.
The total amount of rent now due is $1,450.00.
Within 14 days after this notice is delivered to you, you must pay the full amount of rent owed or move out of the property. If this notice is delivered to you on October 5, 2026, that period ends on October 19, 2026.
This notice is given under Montana Code Annotated § 70-24-422, which requires written notice to the tenant before a landlord may terminate the rental agreement for nonpayment of rent or another violation.
If you do not do so within that time, I intend to file an eviction case with the court to recover possession of the property. You will have the opportunity to respond in court, and you may not be removed from the property unless a court orders it. I will not remove you or your belongings or change the locks without a court order.
If you have questions about this notice, or wish to discuss payment or resolving the issue, please contact me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
Greenway Rentals LLC
Date this notice was delivered: ____________________
Method of delivery: ____________________
Delivered by: ____________________
Frequently asked questions
How much notice does a Montana landlord give for unpaid rent?
Three days. If rent is unpaid when due, the landlord can give written notice that the rental agreement will end unless the rent is paid within 3 days. If the notice is mailed, add 3 days for mailing before the period begins to run.
How long does a Montana tenant have to fix a lease violation?
For most violations, the notice must give at least 14 days. Montana sets shorter periods for some issues, including 3 days for an unauthorized pet or unauthorized occupants and 5 days for substantially the same violation repeated within six months, so check the statute for the specific violation.
How do I end a month-to-month tenancy in Montana?
Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the termination date, under MCA § 70-24-441. The landlord does not need to state a reason under state law, but the notice cannot be retaliatory under MCA § 70-24-431.
Can a Montana landlord lock out a tenant who won't leave?
No. A landlord must go through the court process and obtain a judgment for possession. Locking a tenant out or interrupting essential services to force a move-out can make the landlord liable for up to 3 months' rent or treble damages, whichever is greater, under MCA § 70-24-411.
How much notice do I have to give a tenant?
It depends on your state, sometimes your city, the type of notice and the lease. Periods for unpaid rent can be as short as a few days or as long as a month, and notices ending a month-to-month tenancy are often 30 days or more. Check your state's landlord-tenant law and any local ordinance before serving.
Is an eviction notice the same as being evicted?
No. A notice only starts the process. If the tenant doesn't comply, the landlord must file a case in court and win a judgment. Only a court order, carried out by a sheriff, marshal or similar officer, can legally remove a tenant from the property.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.