Montana tenant did not pay rent
If Montana residential rent is unpaid when due, the landlord may give written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate if rent is not paid within three days. Certificate or certified mailing is deemed served three days after mailing; the rent period then runs from service.
- Use the actual unpaid rent after payments and credits.
- The rent period is three days after valid service.
- Certificate or certified mail is deemed served three days after mailing.
Built around the requirements of MCA § 70-24-422(2).
What should the notice state?
Identify the rent due, the unpaid period and the landlord's intent to terminate if payment is not made within the statutory period.
How does mailing change the date?
MCA § 70-24-108(1)(d) deems certificate or certified mailing served three days after mailing. Then count the three-day payment period, excluding the service day and rolling a final holiday.
What comes after notice?
Reassess payment and waiver before filing; preserve the agreement, ledger, notice and delivery proof for court.
Common mistakes to avoid
Montana legal authority
Legal information reviewed October 6, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Montana give three days to pay rent?
Yes, the ordinary written nonpayment period is three days after valid service under MCA § 70-24-422(2).
Does a mailed notice start the rent period immediately?
No. Under MCA § 70-24-108(1)(d), certificate or certified mail is deemed served three days after mailing.
Need to prepare the Montana notice?
Use the guided LandlordAnswers workflow. It applies the state-specific rules, collects only the facts that affect the result, and keeps document generation inside the browser.
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