Use this checklist to compare property management companies side by side, or to check what your current manager actually does. Each section lists the services to ask about and the questions that separate a clear answer from a vague one.
1. Pricing and marketing
- A written market rent analysis based on current local comparables
- Annual rent review before renewal
- Quality photography (and a 3D tour, if you want one)
- Listings on major rental sites with fair-housing-compliant wording
- Organized showings and prompt follow-up on inquiries
2. Screening and leasing
- Written screening criteria applied to every applicant
- Credit, criminal, eviction, income and rental-history checks
- Pet screening, with assistance-animal requests handled separately
- FCRA adverse action notices when a report affects a decision
- A lease written for Montana law
- A move-in condition report with dated photos
3. Rent collection and money
- Online rent payment for residents
- A clear late-rent process, including Montana’s 3-day notice for nonpayment
- Electronic owner disbursements on a set schedule
- Security deposits handled under MCA 70-25-202 (10 days if nothing is owed; an itemized list within 30 days if there are deductions)
4. Maintenance
- Licensed, insured local vendors
- A repair approval limit written into the agreement
- A 24/7 emergency line for residents (ask which plans include it)
- Seasonal care: snow removal, gutters, irrigation, furnace and HVAC filters
- Invoices you can see, and any markup disclosed in writing
5. Inspections
- Move-in and move-out inspections with photos
- Periodic walk-throughs (ask how often on each plan)
- 24 hours’ notice to the resident before entry, as Montana law requires
6. Reporting
- An owner portal available around the clock
- Monthly statements showing income, expenses and maintenance
- A year-end 1099
7. Legal and compliance
- A Montana property manager or real estate license
- Fair housing training and written policies
- Eviction coordination through a Montana attorney when needed
8. Contract terms
- Every fee listed in a fee exhibit
- What continues while the home is vacant
- Leasing and renewal fees
- Termination terms and costs
How our plans cover the checklist
Every Mountain Village Property Management plan includes an annual market rent analysis, marketing, showings, tenant and pet screening, an attorney-prepared / reviewed lease, move-in coordination, online rent collection, electronic owner disbursements, owner portal access and a year-end 1099.
- Essentials adds services as you need them: annual inspection ($99; one a year is required), maintenance coordination ($99 per work order), eviction coordination ($199), 24/7 emergency line for residents ($29/mo), professional photography ($349) and in-depth pet screening ($49 per pet).
- Signature includes everything in Essentials plus no set-up fee, in-depth pet screening, professional photography, maintenance coordination, an annual walk-through inspection, the 24/7 emergency line for residents, eviction coordination and a 6-month tenant placement guarantee.
- Summit includes everything in Signature plus a 3D tour and floorplan, two walk-through inspections a year, HVAC filter delivery, annual pest control (up to $150 vendor cost), an annual pet inspection, a 12-month tenant placement guarantee and our 45-Day Leasing Guarantee.
About the 45-Day Leasing Guarantee: if no approved tenant signs within 45 days of the qualified marketing start, the leasing fee for that placement drops from 50% to 25% of one month’s rent. The home must be rent-ready, available for normal showings and listed at our recommended rent. Owner delays, access limits, price changes or rejecting qualified applicants may suspend or void it. It’s included on Summit, a $149 add-on on Signature and $299 on Essentials. Our guarantees are service-fee remedies, not guarantees of rent, tenant conduct or uninterrupted occupancy.
What our plans cost
Mountain Village Property Management offers three plans. Every fee is in writing in your agreement before you sign.
| Essentials | Signature | Summit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly management | 4.9% of rent + $69/mo | 6.9% of rent + $69/mo | 8.9% of rent + $69/mo |
| Leasing fee | 50% of one month’s rent | 50% of one month’s rent | 50% of one month’s rent |
| Lease renewal | 25% of one month’s rent | 25% of one month’s rent | 25% of one month’s rent |
| Set-up fee | $299 one-time | None | None |
| Maintenance coordination | $99 per work order | Included | Included |
| 24/7 emergency line for residents | $29/mo add-on | Included | Included |
Our management percentage pauses while a home is vacant; the $69 monthly admin fee continues. Third-party costs may include a coordination markup of up to 7.5% (3% on recurring bills), as set out in the agreement. Compare every plan detail and add-on price.
Talk to a local Bozeman team
We manage long-term rentals in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Gallatin Gateway, Manhattan and Three Forks from our office on W Babcock St in Bozeman. We’re rated 5.0 on Google (16 reviews). Request a free rental analysis and we’ll walk you through what your home could rent for and which plan fits.