Fair housing is the right to choose a home free from unlawful discrimination. Federal, state and local fair housing laws protect Montanans from discrimination in housing transactions such as rentals, sales, lending, insurance, or other housing-related activities. In Montana, fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on someone’s protected class status including age, race, creed, familial status, national origin, religion, color, sex, marital status, or disability. You have the right to choose your housing without facing discrimination.
If you have any housing discrimination complaints or concerns, please contact the entities below. These websites are also good sources for more information, education and training about fair housing:
Montana Human Rights Bureau PO Box 1728 Helena, MT 59624-1728 Telephone: 1.800.542.0807 Fax: 406.443.3234 Website
Montana Fair Housing 501 East Front Street Suite 533 Butte, MT 59701 Telephone: 406.782.2573 or 1.800.929.2611 Montana Relay: 711 Fax: 406.782.2781 Website
Denver Regional Office of FHEO U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 1670 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80202-4801 (303) 672-5437 (800) 877-7353 TTY (303) 672-5248 Website
Department of Justice Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-001 Telephone: 1.844.380.6178 TTY: 202.514.0716 Website
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Department of Commerce, in the delivery of housing related activities, such as mortgage servicing and rental assistance programs, and administration of federal funds for housing activities, is required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and requirements, including the following specific nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws:
Federal Fair Housing Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Montana Code Annotated §49-2-305 Montana Human Rights Act
Age Discrimination Act of 1975
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Department of Commerce, through its employees and contracted third parties that engage in housing activities on behalf of the Department, is committed to ensure that the letter and spirit of the Federal Fair Housing Act and Montana Fair Housing laws are followed by respecting the diversity and differences within our customer base.
Analysis of Impediments / Assessment of Fair Housing
As a requirement of receiving federal funds for housing activities, the State must submit certification of affirmatively furthering fair housing to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This certification has three elements:
Completion of an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in Montana (AI),
Actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified, and
Maintenance of records reflecting the actions taken in response to the analysis.
