Resources
Administrative Rules of Montana
The Montana Secretary of State’s Administrative Rules Services publishes the rules established by state agencies, which, once adopted, carry the force of law. This is an excellent resource if you have concerns about the legality of your HOA or property management. You can access rules on important procedures, such as trust account management and unprofessional conduct.
County Clerk and Recorder
The County Clerk and Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining official documents related to real estate, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property transfers. These documents become part of the public record and can be accessed by the public.
Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder:
https://www.gallatinmt.gov/clerk-and-recorders-office
Park County Clerk & Recorder:
https://www.parkcounty.org/government-departments/clerk-recorder/
Human Resource Development Council
The HRDC focuses on helping community members move from crisis to stability and thriving by offering comprehensive services that address housing, food and nutrition, childcare, and transportation needs. HRDC recognizes that challenges can affect anyone, as situations like job loss or housing instability can happen unexpectedly. By promoting a connected and supportive community, HRDC helps homeowners and renters access resources and assistance to secure housing, maintain stability, and improve their overall well-being.
Montana Cadastral Mapping
Cadastral data refers to information about property rights and interests in land. This data may also be referred to as real estate data, parcel information, or tax parcel information. Montana Cadastral is a valuable resource for accessing this information and is maintained collaboratively by the Montana State Library (MSL) and the Montana Department of Revenue.
The MSL provides this information as a convenience to the public. You can use it to search for property info by geocode, owner, address, assessment code, or subdivision. The Montana Cadastral application offers a wide range of base-maps, including topographic, terrain and NAIP imagery from various years.
https://svc.mt.gov/msl/cadastral/
If you wish to have your name removed from the Montana Cadastral, you can submit a request through the Montana Department of Revenue. Visit their website here to search for 'Request for Nondisclosure of Property Record Information (Form AB-NonDisc)' or for more details about the process.
Montana Department of Commerce
The Montana Department of Commerce plays a vital role in expanding affordable and accessible housing options throughout the state. Their mission includes providing financing and educational programs to support homeownership and rental assistance. By partnering with private industry and local organizations, the department aims to enhance community infrastructure and promote sustainable economic growth. This work helps ensure that all Montanans have access to housing opportunities that contribute to vibrant and thriving communities.
Montana Department of Justice
The Montana Attorney General’s Office offers general guidance to landlords and tenants to help them understand their rights and responsibilities under the Montana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and their rental agreements. This information can help prevent misunderstandings and legal issues. However, the office does not provide legal advice, representation, or handle complaints related to landlord-tenant disputes.
https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/tenants-and-landlords/
Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Human Rights Bureau
The Bureau enforces state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. The Bureau investigates complaints related to discrimination in specific protected areas, ensuring that adverse actions are not based on a person's membership in a protected class. It provides educational and training resources for employers, employees, housing providers, and tenants throughout Montana. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you can file your own complaint, but it is recommended to contact the Bureau for assistance. Complaints must be submitted within 180 days of the incident or discovery, although extensions are possible under limited circumstances.
Montana Fair Housing Organization
Montana Fair Housing (MFH) works to promote and ensure non-discrimination in housing through outreach, education, dispute resolution, and enforcement of federal and state laws. These laws prohibit discrimination in various housing-related activities, including advertising, renting, sales, lending, appraisals, and insurance, and apply to public and private housing, as well as HOA actions. MFH investigates discrimination claims, provides counseling to victims, and facilitates the complaint process with state and federal agencies. They also offer dispute resolution services and may help victims secure legal representation when necessary.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD is a federal agency aimed at creating strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities and quality affordable housing for all. They help homeowners and renters by enforcing fair housing laws, providing housing assistance programs, offering financial support for home purchases and repairs, and supporting community development initiatives. The department also works to ensure safe, accessible, and equitable housing opportunities, and it offers resources and guidance for navigating housing-related challenges, including rental assistance and homeownership education.