Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5-19-95

Contact Person: Don Grovel Executive Director, 515-281-8084

On May 11 and 12, 1995 the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Commission) conducted 15 housing tests in the City of Cherokee, Iowa. The tests showed no violations of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The Commission has tested 8 communities under the current testing program and Cherokee is the first community to show no violations. In these tests the Commission evaluated whether race, presence of children and disability affected the availability of units, caused different treatment of applicants, or was the reason some applicants were discouraged from applying. The testers contacted landlords and realtors by phone and in person to inquire about the availability of housing.

A familial status test would have the tester posing as parent with 1 child or a number of children. In all instances the landlord should allow the prospective tenant to decide if the rental property is suitable. Local zoning and housing ordinances determine the number of individuals allowed in an unit. The general rule is to allow a single parent with 1 child in a one bedroom apartment, and a couple with 2 children in a 2 bedroom apartment.

A disability test might have the tester asking if they could modify the unit to accommodate their disability, such as adding a wheelchair ramp or widening the doorways for easier access. Fair Housing Law allows tenants to make modifications to their rental units to accommodate their disability. These modifications are done at the tenant's expense. Property owners have the responsibility to educate their property managers and representatives as to the Fair Housing Laws.

The Commission's current testing program is funded by a Fair Housing Initiatives Program grant awarded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
515-281-4121 / 1-800-457-4416