North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights investigating Housing Discrimination Complaint
Oct. 1—GRAND FORKS — The North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights is investigating a Housing Discrimination Complaint alleging that Bismarck Mandan Rental LLC Properties violated the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act when it issued a statement refusing rent payments by a public assistance program.
According to a press release from the Grand Forks High Plains Fair Housing Center, on July 21 High Plains discovered a Facebook advertisement posted by Bismarck Mandan Rental LLC stating the property management would discontinue accepting any new applications for ND Rent Help.
High Plains Fair Housing Center then submitted a complaint to the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights accusing Bismarck Mandan Rental LLC Properties of violating the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act. High Plains will file organizational complaints when there is evidence of discrimination with the intent to stop illegal discriminatory housing practices and policies in North Dakota.
Under state law, advertisements about the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicate any preference, limitation or discrimination or the intention to make a preference, limitation or discrimination because of receipt of public assistance status are illegal.
"Because of the ND Rent Help program, we have a tremendous opportunity to help people secure housing and keep people housed. Denying people the opportunity to obtain housing because of status with regards to public assistance is wrong." Michelle Rydz, the executive director of the High Plains Fair Housing Center, said in a press release.
After reviewing the complaint on Aug. 18, the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights then filed a formal complaint to investigate the alleged discrimination.
