Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Montana

If you’re a renter in Montana and believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you have important rights and several ways to seek help. Discrimination can happen when landlords, property managers, or real estate agents treat you unfairly because of factors such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. Montana’s laws also offer protections beyond federal standards. Understanding your rights and knowing how to act is the first step to resolving these issues and ensuring fair treatment.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Montana

Housing discrimination is illegal under both federal and Montana laws. It means being treated unfairly or denied housing because of protected characteristics, including:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
• Disability or physical/mental condition
• Familial status (such as having children)
• Marital status or age (covered by Montana law)

If you believe your landlord, housing provider, or real estate agent has discriminated against you in any of these areas, you may have grounds to file a complaint with the appropriate agency.

Which Agency Handles Housing Discrimination Complaints in Montana?

The Montana Human Rights Bureau (HRB) is responsible for investigating housing discrimination complaints under state law, as set out in the Montana Human Rights Act (Title 49, Chapter 2, MCA)^[1]. For federal protections, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is also available to handle complaints under the Fair Housing Act.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

It’s important to act promptly—generally within 180 days of the incident in Montana, or 365 days if filing with HUD. The Montana Human Rights Bureau allows you to file complaints by mail, email, fax, or in person.

Official Forms and Where to Get Them

• Montana Housing Discrimination Complaint Intake Questionnaire (Form: HRB 1)
  Download the HRB Intake Questionnaire.
  Use this form if you believe your fair housing rights have been violated. For example, if your landlord refuses to rent to you because you have children, fill out and submit this form to the Human Rights Bureau. Send it by email, mail, or in person to the HRB’s contact listed on their housing discrimination page.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903
  Download the HUD Form 903.
  Use this federal form when you want to file a complaint under the federal Fair Housing Act, such as if you experienced discrimination by a property manager in a federally funded housing program. Submit it online, by mail, or email as instructed on the form.

What Information Will You Need?

When filing, gather the following details to strengthen your case:

• Your contact information
• Property address and landlord or property manager details
• Dates, times, and a clear description of the discrimination
• Names or witnesses (if available)
• Copies of any documents, texts, or emails related to the incident

If you’re unsure whether what you’ve experienced counts as discrimination, the HRB’s staff can help clarify over the phone or by email before you file.

Action Steps: Filing With the Montana Human Rights Bureau

• Complete the HRB Intake Questionnaire and describe what happened in detail.
• Submit your form to the Human Rights Bureau by email (dlierdhrb@mt.gov), mail, fax, or by dropping it off in person.
• After submission, the HRB will review your information. If your situation qualifies, they will help you move forward with a formal complaint.
• The Bureau will investigate the complaint, attempt mediation, and may offer a hearing if needed.
• If discrimination is proven, remedies may include being allowed to rent the property, changes in policies, or financial compensation.

Throughout the process, you can ask questions and request updates from the HRB caseworker assigned to you.

Your Rights During the Process

• You are protected from retaliation for filing a complaint.
• You can seek support from legal aid or advocacy groups even while your complaint is being reviewed.
• You have the right to appeal decisions if you disagree with the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as housing discrimination in Montana?
   It includes any denial of housing or unfair treatment by a landlord or housing provider because of your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, age, or other protected characteristics under federal or Montana law.
2. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   You must file with the Montana Human Rights Bureau within 180 days of the incident, or within 365 days for federal HUD complaints.
3. What happens after I file a complaint with the Human Rights Bureau?
   The Bureau will review your complaint, investigate the incident, and may offer mediation. If necessary, your case could proceed to a hearing before the Montana Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Hearings.
4. Can my landlord evict me for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No. It is illegal for your landlord to retaliate against you for asserting your fair housing rights, including evicting you for filing a complaint.
5. Where can I get help if I have questions or need legal advice?
   You can contact the Human Rights Bureau directly or seek assistance from legal services listed in the resources below.

Key Takeaways for Montana Renters

• Montana law protects renters from discrimination based on multiple protected characteristics.
• File your complaint promptly, using the HRB Intake Questionnaire or the HUD Complaint Form.
• Help is available from the Montana Human Rights Bureau and through free legal resources if needed.

Prompt action and clear documentation help protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Montana Human Rights Bureau (HRB) – Filing Housing Discrimination Complaints
• Download the Montana HRB Intake Questionnaire
• U.S. HUD: File a Federal Housing Discrimination Complaint
• Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) – Free legal help for renters
• Montana Human Rights Act (legislation)

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1. Montana Human Rights Act – Title 49, Chapter 2, Montana Code Annotated
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. Montana Human Rights Bureau — Fair Housing
4. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — Housing Discrimination Complaints
5. Montana Legal Services Association

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