What action can a property manager take if a tenant fails to pay rent?

A property manager has the authority to take certain steps when a tenant fails to pay rent, and one of those critical steps is to terminate the lease after providing proper notice. In Montana, landlords typically must give tenants at least three days' written notice of non-payment of rent before they can take further legal action, such as seeking to terminate the lease. This legal requirement is meant to ensure that tenants have a fair chance to resolve the issue before serious actions are taken against them.

This approach balances the rights of both the landlord and the tenant. The notice serves as an opportunity for the tenant to make the payment or discuss the situation, potentially leading to a resolution without escalating to eviction. Taking immediate action without notice could lead to legal complications for the property manager or landlord, as tenants have certain rights that are protected under state law.

In contrast, the other choices lack adherence to the legal process. For instance, terminating the lease immediately without notice would violate these legal protections and could lead to challenges in court. Increasing the rent arbitrarily without proper justification or notification also falls outside standard practices and legal requirements. Finally, evicting a tenant without notice disregards their rights and could lead to serious legal repercussions for failing to follow proper eviction procedures.