QUICK LINKS
- Tenant to Landlord (End of Lease) [.pdf] – no prior notice is required in Montana at the end of a fixed-term lease, but it is recommended to send the landlord a letter.
- Tenant to Landlord (Month-to-Month) [.pdf] – notice is required at least 30 days prior to a payment date in Montana for month-to-month leases or “at will” tenants that pay rent month-to-month.
- Landlord to Tenant (End of Lease) [.pdf] – no prior notice is required in Montana at the end of a fixed-term lease, but it is recommended to send the tenant a letter.
- Landlord to Tenant (Month-to-Month) [.pdf] – notice is required at least 30 days prior to a payment date in Montana for month-to-month leases or “at will” tenants that pay rent month-to-month.
Purpose. A Montana lease termination letter (“Notice to Vacate”) is a required document to end month-to-month lease agreements in Montana. State law requires giving at least 30 days notice for termination. However, state law does not require notice to be given to end fixed term lease agreements on their end date.
Read further to learn more about notice requirements and the residential lease termination process in Montana.
Montana Notice Requirements for Lease Termination by Tenant
- A month-to-month tenant will be required to inform the landlord that they will be vacating a month before they move out.
- For a fixed-term rental, there is not required notice that must be given if the tenant is leaving when the agreement expires.
- With a week-to-week lease, the tenant should provide the landlord with a seven-day notice to inform them that they will be vacating the property.
Legally Terminating a Lease Early in Montana
- Active members of the military are exempt from a penalty when starting active service.
- If the rental unit violates the health and safety codes of Montana, then the tenant can use what is called a constructive eviction to move out without penalty.
- If the landlord has violated the privacy of the tenant or harassed them, they can end the rental agreement without facing a penalty as well.