Cal. Civ. Code § 70-24-304
Transfer Of Premises Or Termination Of Management -- Relief From Liability
Operative Text
(1) Unless otherwise agreed, a landlord who conveys, in a good faith sale to a bona fide purchaser, premises that include a dwelling unit subject to a rental agreement is relieved of liability under the rental agreement and this chapter as to events occurring after written notice to the tenant of the conveyance. The landlord remains liable to the tenant for all security recoverable by the tenant pursuant to Title 70, chapter 25, and all prepaid rent. (2) Unless otherwise agreed, a manager of premises that include a dwelling unit is relieved of liability under the rental agreement and this chapter as to events occurring after written notice to the tenant of the termination of the manager's management.
Montana Code § 70-24-304 addresses what happens to a landlord's or property manager's legal obligations when ownership or management of a rental property changes hands. Under this provision, a landlord who sells a property in a genuine, good-faith transaction is released from responsibilities under the rental agreement and Montana's residential landlord-tenant law for events that occur after the tenant receives written notice of the sale — but the selling landlord remains responsible for returning any security deposit and refunding any prepaid rent. Similarly, a property manager who stops managing a rental property is released from obligations under the rental agreement and state law for events occurring after the tenant receives written notice that the management relationship has ended.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-304 generally ensure that tenants receive written notice whenever a property is sold or management responsibilities are transferred. A compliant seller documents that the notice was delivered before or at the time of conveyance, and retains records confirming that any security deposits and prepaid rent owed to the tenant are properly accounted for and transferred or returned. Property managers who are ending their role similarly provide timely written notice to tenants to establish the point at which their liability under the rental agreement concludes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-304, tenants have the right to receive written notice when their rental property is sold or when the property manager changes, and that notice marks the point at which the prior landlord or manager is generally released from future obligations. Importantly, the original landlord retains responsibility for any security deposit recoverable under Title 70, Chapter 25, and any prepaid rent — even after a sale — so tenants can look to the selling landlord for those funds if they are not properly transferred. Tenants who believe a security deposit or prepaid rent has not been properly handled may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or consulting with a legal aid office familiar with Montana landlord-tenant law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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