The Justice Department announced on Apr. 17 the settlement of United States v. David Montanus and Lisa Montanus, marking the first lawsuit by the Civil Rights Division to enforce the Housing Rights Subpart of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
This case is significant as it sets a precedent for protecting tenants who seek emergency assistance in situations involving domestic violence. The lawsuit, filed in May 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, alleged that David and Lisa Montanus violated federal law by evicting a tenant after she contacted police about domestic violence.
As part of the settlement, David and Lisa Montanus must comply with VAWA provisions, refrain from making negative credit reports regarding the complainant’s tenancy, report any new rental property acquisitions during a three-year period, undergo VAWA training if they acquire such properties, and pay $25,000 to compensate the complainant and her minor children.
“Tenants have a right to request law enforcement and emergency services when they need assistance,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one should be faced with the choice of calling for help or losing her housing.” U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire said: “Violence against women will never be tolerated in New Hampshire. Penalizing survivors of violence with eviction for seeking help revictimizes them. We will use all available legal tools to protect the civil rights of victims.” Craig Trainor, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD added: “I will not allow women seeking police intervention in a domestic violence situation to later be victimized with an eviction because they sought the assistance of our brave police. Secretary Turner’s HUD is dedicated to protecting women from violence and ensuring that fair housing rights are protected.”
The case originated after HUD received a complaint about discrimination related to emergency assistance requests; following an investigation, HUD referred it to DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire enhances community well-being by enforcing federal laws and safeguarding residents according to its official website. The office operates under direction from the United States Attorney General according to its official website, handles prosecutions of federal crimes as well as civil cases involving government interests according to its official website, serves through federal court representation according to its official website, builds alliances with law enforcement agencies at various levels according to its official website, functions as a federal law enforcement entity according to its official website, prosecutes crimes while defending lawsuits against United States interests, collects debts owed federally, and maintains an office in Concord according to its official website.
Congress reauthorized VAWA in 2022 with stronger protections so that survivors can call authorities without fear their housing may be threatened due solely to requesting help during emergencies.
