Department Of Commerce

Fair Housing Rights, Laws and Protections

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, Co 80202-4801
Telephone: (303) 672-5437 or (800) 877-7353
Fax: (303) 672-5026
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 Montana 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 Montana 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.

State of Montana Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing