Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4-15-96

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

Iowa Civil Rights Commission Conducts Housing Tests in Ft. Madison

In March 1996, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) conducted 21 housing tests in the City of Ft. Madison, Iowa. The tests showed 3 possible violations of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The ICRC has tested 48 communities under the current testing program. The results so far indicate 136 possible violations out of 888 tests.

In these tests the ICRC evaluated whether race, presence of children or 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.

One test showed possible different treatment because the tester had children. In this test the property owner advertised "Adults" in the newspaper ad for her two bedroom apartment. When a married tester with two children called about the ad the owner told the tester "And no children. OK."

A second test showed possible different treatment because the tester had children. In this test a married tester with two children also inquired about a two bedroom apartment. After stating that the bedrooms were a good size and would accommodate a queen sized bed the owner of the property asked, "How many people." When the tester responded that it was her husband, herself and their two daughters the owner stated, "Oh I think it would be too small for "The owner added, "I really do. Two's worked up there just fine." When asked if she had anything else available the owner responded, "Well what we are going to have the first of the month is going to be a two bedroom also. And I don't think it would be big enough."

Iowa Code § 216.8(l) prohibits a landlord from refusing to rent to persons with children and Iowa Code § 216.8(3) prohibits a landlord from discouraging persons with children from considering their property. Landlords should let prospective tenants with children decide if the property is suitable.

Two tests showed possible different treatment because of the race of the testers. In one test the property manager told the African American that the deposit was $150 but told the White tester that the deposit was $ 100.