Federal and state fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in housing. These laws apply to public and private housing, and cover practices in the advertising, rental, sales, lending, appraisal and insurance industries, including the actions of Home Owner Associations and the enforcement of covenants.

These laws prohibit practices that limit the availability of housing and housing related services BECAUSE OF membership in protected classes. Exemptions are incuded in these laws and some households may be excluded at particular housing sites.

The federal Fair Housing Act as Amended in 1988 and the Montana Human Rights Act prohibit discrimination in housing based on someone's protected class status.

The federally protected classes are:

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial Status (including children under the age of 18 in the household and pregnancy)
• Disability (includes requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications, and requirements for the design and construction of covered multi-family housing)

In addition to the federally protected classes, the Montana Human Rights Act includes:

• Creed
• Marital Status
• Age

Both the federal and state fair housing acts prohibit retaliation against anyone who pursues their rights under the acts, or assists others in doing so.

Local jurisdictions may have non-discrimination ordinances that provide additional protections.

You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but you should contact Montana Fair Housing as soon as possible. A complaint must be filed with the Montana Human Rights Bureau within 180 days of the alleged violation.

You may file suit, at your expense, in Federal District Court within two years of an alleged violation.