Tenant FAQs – Premier Property Management | Billings, MT

🔑 Current Tenant FAQs

• How do I pay rent?

  All rent payments are made through your Tenant Portal, which was activated during move-in. You can pay online using ACH, debit, or credit card.

• What if I can’t pay rent on time?

  Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Late payments may incur fees and result in a notice to pay or vacate. If you anticipate a payment issue, please contact our office right away.

• Can I use my security deposit for my last month’s rent?

  No. The security deposit cannot be applied toward your final rent payment. Rent must be paid in full before move-out.

• What if I want to bring in a pet?

  All pets must be approved in writing by our office prior to being brought into the unit. Contact us for pet screening and property-specific pet policies.

• Can someone move in with me?

  Anyone over 18 must submit an application and be approved before residing in the home. Please contact the office to begin the process.

• What if I want to move out, but my roommate wants to stay?

  Contact us to discuss the lease change. We’ll help adjust the agreement and guide both parties through next steps.

• Can I make changes to the property (paint, install fixtures, etc.)?

  Written permission is required before making any modifications. Hanging small items (e.g. pictures) is usually permitted, but you are responsible for patching any damage upon move-out.

• Who handles repairs and maintenance?

  We manage all routine and emergency maintenance. Tenants are only responsible for damage they cause. Submit maintenance requests through the Tenant Portal.

• Can I renew my lease?

  Yes! We’ll contact you 30–60 days before your lease ends to offer a renewal. If you wish to stay, a new lease will be sent electronically.

• What should I do if my lease is ending and I plan to move out?

  Log into your Tenant Portal and submit a 30-day written notice. Additional move-out instructions will follow.

• Can I move out early?

  Yes, but this qualifies as an early lease termination. Refer to the lease or Move-Out Instructions for specific terms and fees.

🛠 Maintenance & Inspections

• How do I report a maintenance issue?

  Submit all non-emergency requests through your Tenant Portal. For after-hours emergencies (flooding, heat outage, etc.), call our emergency line.

• When are inspections conducted?

  We perform inspections at move-in, move-out, and annually. Additional inspections may occur as needed to ensure lease compliance.

• Can I repair damage myself?

  Please contact our office before making any repairs. Unauthorized repairs may not meet quality standards and could result in deductions from your deposit.

📦 Move-Out FAQs

• What do I need to do before moving out?

  Follow the Move-Out Cleaning Checklist provided by our office. This helps you avoid charges and ensures a smooth final inspection.

• Can I be present for the final inspection?

  Final walkthroughs are conducted after your move-out date. A full inspection report will be shared with you afterward.

• When will I receive my security deposit back?

  Deposits are returned within 30 days of your lease end, in accordance with Montana law, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid balances.

• How can I maximize my deposit refund?

  Leave the unit clean, follow the checklist, and report any damage early. Completing your lease term without violations also helps.

Residential FAQs

• How do you screen tenants?

  We use a data-driven tenant screening process to minimize risk and protect your property. Each applicant is evaluated using consistent criteria, including:

  • Credit and payment history
  • Income verification
  • Rental history
  • Court and criminal background checks

  This process ensures fair housing compliance while placing only qualified, responsible tenants in your property.

• What is the security deposit policy, and who holds the deposit?

  We typically collect a security deposit equal to one month’s rent (adjusted based on screening scores). Deposits are held in a regulated trust account, in compliance with Montana law, until move-out and final inspection are completed.

• How do you handle rent collection?

  Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Tenants pay securely through their online portal.
  If rent is late, our team initiates prompt follow-up, and we begin the lease-enforced collection or eviction process as outlined in the agreement.
  With our Prompt Payment Guarantee, your distribution is delivered by the 10th of the month.

• How do you manage maintenance and repairs?

  We handle all maintenance coordination, including 24/7 emergency response and routine repair scheduling.
  Non-emergency work orders are typically resolved within 48 business hours. We use vetted, licensed, and insured vendors to maintain your property to high standards.

• Can I choose whether my property is pet-friendly?

  Yes. Pet acceptance is based on owner preference.
  When pets are allowed, we screen them for breed, size, and behavior, and require additional deposits or pet rent based on risk.

• How often do you inspect my property?

  We conduct professional inspections at:

  • Move-in
  • Move-out
  • Annually, or more often if lease violations or maintenance issues are suspected

  You’ll receive reports with notes and photos through your Owner Portal.

• What happens if there’s damage at the end of the lease?

  We compare the move-out inspection to the original move-in condition report.
  Any damage beyond normal wear and tear is deducted from the tenant’s security deposit. We document all deductions for transparency.

• How soon can a tenant move in after approval?

  Once a tenant is approved and the lease is signed, move-in timing depends on unit readiness (cleaning, repairs, utility transfer). Our team coordinates the timeline to ensure smooth, efficient occupancy.

• How are emergencies handled?

  We offer 24/7 emergency maintenance for issues that impact habitability or safety (e.g., plumbing, HVAC, major leaks).
  Our team triages calls and dispatches qualified vendors immediately to minimize damage and ensure tenant safety.