The Justice Department announced on Apr. 17 the settlement of United States v. David Montanus and Lisa Montanus, marking the first time the Civil Rights Division has enforced the Housing Rights Subpart of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA), 34 U.S.C. § 12495.
This case is significant as it addresses protections for tenants seeking emergency help in domestic violence situations. The department's lawsuit, filed in May 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, alleged that David and Lisa Montanus violated VAWA by evicting a tenant after she called police during a domestic violence incident.
As part of the settlement, David and Lisa Montanus must comply with VAWA requirements, refrain from making adverse credit reports regarding the complainant’s tenancy, report any new rental property acquisitions to federal authorities if they acquire properties within three years, undergo VAWA training if applicable, 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.”
Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Craig Trainor 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 the fair housing rights of all Americans are protected.”
In 2022, Congress reauthorized VAWA with expanded provisions strengthening housing protections for those needing emergency aid at home—including survivors of domestic violence—by affirming their right to seek law enforcement or emergency assistance without fear that their landlords could retaliate through eviction or threats thereof.
The case originated after a complaint was filed with HUD; following an investigation and charge by HUD, it was referred 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, handling prosecutions involving federal crimes as well as civil cases where government interests are involved according to its official website. It also represents federal interests in court throughout New Hampshire according to its official website while building partnerships across law enforcement agencies at various levels according to its official website. As a federal law enforcement entity based in Concord, New Hampshire according to its official website, it defends lawsuits against United States entities and collects debts owed federally.
If you believe you have been penalized by your landlord or experienced other forms of housing discrimination after requesting emergency services or law enforcement support, you can contact both DOJ’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit an online report; complaints may also be filed directly with HUD.
