Montana Property Management Practice Exam

The correct choice indicates that if a landlord fails to provide a 24-hour notice for required cleaning, they cannot deduct anything from the security deposit. This reflects the principle that landlords are obligated to follow proper procedures laid out in rental agreements and state law regarding the handling of security deposits.

In Montana, as in many jurisdictions, tenants have certain rights that include being properly notified of any requirements that could affect their security deposit. Failing to give the required notice means that the landlord has not provided the tenant with the opportunity to address the cleaning themselves or prepare for the charges. Therefore, if the landlord has not adhered to this requirement, they forfeit their right to deduct any cleaning costs from the security deposit, emphasizing the importance of communication and due process in landlord-tenant relationships.

Other options suggest actions that are not necessary or legally supported given the situation. For instance, hiring a professional cleaning company may be an option for landlords but is irrelevant if proper notice has not been given. Refund timelines or deductions for lost rent are not applicable in this scenario because the failure to provide notice directly impacts the landlord's ability to make any claims against the security deposit. Thus, the emphasis is on protecting the tenant’s rights in situations where due process has not been followed.