National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Montana?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Montana finish in about 2 to 4 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Montana eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    3 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3 days for nonpayment

    From our guide: “The written notice must state the nonpayment and your intention to terminate the rental agreement if the rent is not paid within that period.”

  2. 2Court case

    7 to 21 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Answer due 5 business days after service; hearing within 10 more

    From our guide: “the tenant's time to answer is 5 business days after service of the summons and complaint” and “The action must be heard within 10 business days after the tenant's appearance or the answer date stated in the summons.”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    1 to 7 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ issues at judgment; sheriff executes within 5 business days

    From our guide: “The sheriff executes the writ of assistance within 5 business days of receiving it”

What can slow it down

  • The court must also rule within 5 days after the hearing, and a mailed 3-day notice effectively needs about 6 days from mailing because service is deemed made 3 days after mailing.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Montana eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Montana scores 9 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Montana attorney before acting.