Can a landlord refuse to rent based on a tenant's source of income in Montana?

A landlord in Montana cannot refuse to rent to a prospective tenant solely based on the tenant's source of income; discrimination grounded in income source is prohibited by law. This protection is vital as it ensures that tenants are not unfairly judged or denied housing due to how they receive their income, whether through employment, public assistance, child support, or any other means. Such regulations help promote fair housing opportunities for all individuals, allowing them access to rental units regardless of their financial situation.

While there may be other considerations that landlords can take into account—such as ensuring that a tenant can meet rent obligations based on overall financial stability—factors like the nature of the source of income itself cannot be a basis for discrimination. This practice reflects broader anti-discrimination principles and assists in building inclusive communities where diverse sources of income are respected.

The other options suggest different conditions under which a landlord might legally refuse rental, but these do not align with Montana's regulatory framework regarding income source discrimination.