The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 to end housing discrimination on the basis of a person’s protected class. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 made it illegal for housing providers to discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or religion. In 1988, Congress amended the Fair Housing Act and included two additional protected classes; disability and familial status. The Fair Housing Act promotes freedom, inclusion, integration, and equal opportunity for all. 

The Montana Human Rights Act was enacted in 1965, and prohibits discrimination on race, creed, religion, color, sex, physical or mental disability, age, or national origin. 

Both the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act  offer protection to individuals to ensure equal housing opportunities for all.

Federal Fair Housing - Protected Classes

• Disability, including people with HIV / AIDS and people in recovery from alcohol / drugs.
• Race / Color
• Religion
• Sex - includes protection against sexual harassment
• Familial Status - presence of children under the age of 18 and / or pregnancy
• National Origin

If you feel your rights have been violated as a member of a federally protected class, please contact the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to file a complaint.Call: 1-800-877-7353, toll free; (303) 672-5437, general intake; or TTY 303-672-5248.

Fair Housing - Montana Protected Classes

• Marital Status
• Creed
• Age

A complaint may also be filed (within 180 days after the discriminatory activity occurred) under state law with the Montana Human Rights Bureau by calling 1-800-542-0807.

For more information on either Federal or Montana protected classes, contact Montana Fair Housing at 1-800-929-2611 or call the local Fair Housing Hotline at 406-256-9355. 

HUD-Assisted / Insured Housing - Protected Classes
Programs funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contain provisions to ensure equal opportunity for all eligible individuals regardless of their protected class, including sexual orientation and / or gender identity. Please see the HUD website for additional information.

Both the City Council has proclaimed April as Billings Fair Housing Month. The signed proclamation may be viewed below:  

• City Proclamation

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.