FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Helena, MT (July 2008) – The Montana Board of Housing, along with the Montana Department of Commerce and its Housing Division, today announced a new one-stop resource for those looking to list or locate affordable and market-rate rental property in Montana.

MTHousingSearch.com offers rental property owners, including providers of critically needed affordable and special needs housing, a place to advertise their properties at no cost, while allowing renters the opportunity to easily find property that fits their needs. The site is now available for owners to begin listing properties.

“I am pleased to announce this resource for Montana residents searching for affordable rental housing, which is vital to the future of our neighborhoods and our economy,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “I am urging property owners to use the system that will be the state’s primary housing search resource.”

MTHousingSearch.com was designed so that renters, property owners, housing professionals and social service providers can have access to real-time rental housing information.

“If you are a property owner who has available affordable or market-rate rental housing, I encourage you to list your property today,” said Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite. “Ensuring the accessibility to housing and related resources for our workforce is vital for the future of our communities and our economy.”

The Web site offers 24-hour easy access to managing, adding and updating property listings and advertised company information. There is also experienced call center support for those who do not use the Internet. Detailed property listings allow owners to highlight amenities and special features, including photos of available property. The database will be searchable by the public as soon as 1000 units have been listed. A property search feature can be used as a landlord tool for listing, neighborhood and pricing comparisons.

“The Montana Board of Housing and the Housing Division has many partners who play key roles in securing housing for those Montanans with special needs,” said Housing Division Administrator Bruce Brensdal. “We welcome the opportunity to be the partner who is bringing this valuable rental housing search resource to all Montana residents and to all the agencies that serve the people of Montana.”

For more information, visit www.MTHousingSearch.com.