BISMARCK — The North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights is investigating a housing discrimination complaint alleging Bismarck Mandan Rental LLC Properties violated the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act in refusing rent payments by a public assistance program.

On July 21, High Plains Fair Housing Center in Grand Forks discovered an advertisement on Facebook.com posted by Bismarck Mandan Rental LLC. The advertisement stated, “Effective 7/21/22 we at Bismarck Mandan Rentals have made the decision to discontinue the acceptance of any new applications for ND Rent Help…”

High Plains Fair Housing Center 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. On Aug. 18, 2022, the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights filed a formal complaint to investigate the alleged discrimination.

A recent case created precedence for protecting ND Rent Help recipients from discrimination in North Dakota. High Plains Fair Housing Center advocated for a Williston client in a housing discrimination complaint filed with the state against Madison Holdings, LLC. The complaint was based on multiple protected classes, including his status as a recipient of public assistance. In July of this year, after unsuccessful conciliation efforts by the state agency, the Department of Labor and Human Rights issued a Charge of Discrimination in the complaint on the basis of receipt of public assistance. If not resolved post determination, the case will proceed to an administrative hearing in North Dakota.