Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11-30-95

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




Iowa Civil Rights Commission Conducts Housing Tests in Clear Lake

On October 26 and 27, 1995, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) conducted 37 housing tests in the City of Clear Lake, Iowa and the surrounding community. The tests showed 3 possible violations of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The ICRC has tested 29 communities under the current testing program. The results so far indicate 101 possible violations out of 528 tests.

In these tests the ICRC 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.

One test conducted in the Clear Lake area showed possible different treatment of the applicant because of the presence of children. In this test the tester asked about a one bedroom apartment for herself and her daughter. When the owner found out that the tester had a daughter he told the tester, " [b] ecause there's a walkway, for the apartment that goes to the apartment and there's a roof deck. And it's about a 15 foot drop if a child would get loose and go off the roof deck. And it's just too hazardous." The apartment building was later viewed by the tester and the staircase appeared to be well built with railings all around.

In a second test a landlord told a married tester with 2 children that she had a policy of limiting her 2 bedroom apartment to 2 persons.

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 decide if the property is suitable.

Landlords are also prohibited from setting occupancy standards stricter than the local city codes. If a city does not have an occupancy code, the rule is 2 people per average sized sleeping room.

One test showed possible different treatment because of the disability of the tester. In the test the tester inquired about installing a grabbar in the shower. The person showing the apartment said she had "no idea" if the tester could install a grabbar, the tester would have to check with the owner. Fair Housing Law allows tenants to make modifications to their rental units, at their own expense, to accommodate their disability. Owners have the responsibility to educate their property managers regarding Fair Housing Laws.