What’s the difference between a 30-day and a 7-day notice in Montana?

A 30-day notice usually ends a month-to-month rental agreement without any rule violation; a 7-day notice gives you time to fix a lease problem or move out.

Can my landlord evict me with only 7 days’ notice?

Yes, but only for specific reasons like repeated lease violations, after you were already warned, or certain types of violations. You must receive written notice.

Is there an official form my landlord must use for Montana eviction notices?

Montana law does not require a standard statewide eviction notice form, but the notice must be in writing, contain all necessary details, and meet the legal time frame.

How do I challenge a wrongful eviction in Montana?

Respond to the notice in writing, appear at the eviction court hearing in your local Justice Court, and consider seeking help from legal aid organizations.

Montana Renters: 30-Day vs. 7-Day Eviction Notice Explained

Evictions & Lease Violations Montana published: June 21, 2025

If you rent a home or apartment in Montana and have received an eviction notice, it’s important to know exactly what type of notice you got and what it means for your rights as a tenant. Two of the most common notices used in Montana are the 30-day notice and the 7-day notice. Each type signals a different situation and requires a different response. This article helps Montana renters like you understand what each notice means, what steps you can take, and where to find official guidance and support.

Understanding Eviction Notices in Montana

Montana law requires landlords to provide written notice before starting formal eviction proceedings in most situations. The type of notice and the time frame depend on the reason for eviction and the type of tenancy you have. Understanding the difference between a 30-day and a 7-day notice is key to responding appropriately.

What is a 30-Day Notice?

A 30-day notice in Montana is most often used to end a month-to-month rental agreement without cause. This means your landlord is not alleging you broke any rules or laws—they simply want to terminate the tenancy. Your landlord must provide you with a written notice at least 30 days before the end of your rental period if they wish to end a periodic (usually month-to-month) lease without cause.

If you've lived in your rental for less than 6 months, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the month.
The same 30-day time frame applies for most terminations without cause on a month-to-month lease.
If you pay rent weekly, your landlord must give you at least 7 days’ notice.

This notice gives you time to find another place and prepare for moving out.

What is a 7-Day Notice?

A 7-day notice can be used in several situations under Montana law:

If you are late on rent, the landlord can issue a 3-day notice to pay or vacate. However, for lease violations other than nonpayment, landlords generally provide a 7-day notice to correct the problem or move out.
If you repeat the same violation within six months, the landlord may give a 7-day unconditional quit notice—meaning you must leave within 7 days, and no correction is allowed.

If you receive a 7-day notice for a lease violation, you’re being told there’s a problem (for example: unauthorized pets, disturbing neighbors, or damaged property) and that you have a limited time to fix it or move out.

Montana Official Eviction Forms

Evictions are a legal process, and landlords should use the proper forms. Knowing which notice you’ve received can help you prepare and protect your rights.

30-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy: No official form is mandated statewide, but written notice is required by Montana Code Annotated § 70-24-441.

If you get a 30-day notice, check that it is in writing and specifies your move-out date.
7-Day Notice to Cure or Quit: No statewide official form, but must state the lease violation and give seven days to fix the issue (per Montana Code Annotated § 70-24-422).

Example: If your landlord believes you have an unauthorized pet, you'll receive a written 7-day notice telling you to remove the pet or leave.
Montana Judicial Branch Eviction Forms: If an eviction case goes to court, landlords or tenants can find official forms and instructions through the Montana Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Forms website.

What to Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice

If you receive a 30-day or 7-day eviction notice:

Read the notice carefully. Note the reason, dates, and any actions you need to take.
Document everything: take pictures, save copies of communications, and make notes.
Try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord, especially if a fix is possible (for a 7-day notice to cure).
Seek legal help if you need to contest the notice.

Montana Residential Landlord-Tenant Laws and Tribunal

Evictions in Montana are governed by the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, found in Title 70, Chapter 24 of the Montana Code Annotated.
Eviction court hearings take place in local Montana Justice Courts, which are the official tribunals handling most landlord-tenant disputes in the state.

Renter Action Steps

If you want to contest an eviction, file an answer or appear in court on the scheduled date.
To respond formally, use the forms provided by the Montana Judicial Branch and follow the instructions closely.
Contact Montana Legal Services Association for tenant legal help.

What’s the difference between a 30-day and a 7-day notice in Montana?
A 30-day notice usually ends a month-to-month rental agreement without any rule violation; a 7-day notice gives you time to fix a lease problem or move out.
Can my landlord evict me with only 7 days’ notice?
Yes, but only for specific reasons like repeated lease violations, after you were already warned, or certain types of violations. You must receive written notice.
Is there an official form my landlord must use for Montana eviction notices?
Montana law does not require a standard statewide eviction notice form, but the notice must be in writing, contain all necessary details, and meet the legal time frame.
How do I challenge a wrongful eviction in Montana?
Respond to the notice in writing, appear at the eviction court hearing in your local Justice Court, and consider seeking help from legal aid organizations.
Where can I find the laws about eviction notices in Montana?
The rules are found in the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 70, Chapter 24, MCA).

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Montana Justice Courts (handles eviction cases)
Official Montana Landlord-Tenant Forms
Montana Legal Services Association (free or low-cost tenant legal help)
Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Montana Department of Commerce: Housing