What is the CHRB? The CHRB’s Board consists representatives from 19 organizations with a vested interest in fair housing. Our membership includes representatives of nonprofit service agencies, housing providers, and public bodies who join together in efforts to educate individuals and the community-at-large about fair housing. What is our mission? The mission of the Community Housing Resource Boar
d (CHRB) is to eradicate illegal housing discrimination in the Billings area and create an open and welcoming community for all persons who choose to live here. In order to achieve this mission, the CHRB conducts educational programs and outreach activities throughout the community designed to ensure that all persons understand their rights and responsibilities under the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act. What do we mean by the term Fair Housing? Fair Housing simply means that all persons should be able to access the housing of their choice (for which they are qualified) without being discriminated against based on their race, color, national origin, religion, gender (including sexual harassment), familial status, marital status, age, or creed. The Federal Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act are the primary laws governing housing discrimination. It is important to remember that both laws include all housing transactions including rental, leasing, mortgage lending, mortgage refinancing, the provision of homeowners insurance and appraisals, and real estate services of all types. What about Landlord/Tenant issues? Problems between landlords and tenants that are based on issues related to the Montana Landlord Tenant Act are usually (but not always) NOT fair housing issues. These issues are usually questions about security deposits, repairs, and evictions. The CHRB does not have a staff attorney and cannot offer legal advice, however we do answer simple questions in reference to the Montana Landlord Tenant Act and refer people to local sources of legal assistance.
