Press Release from: IOWA
CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11-22-95
Contact Person: Don Grove, Executive
Director, 515-281- 8084
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Conducts
Housing Tests in Decorah
On September 28, 29, and November 10, 1995, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission
(ICRC) conducted 26 housing tests in the City of Decorah, Iowa. The tests
showed 5 possible violations of state and federal antidiscrimination laws.
The ICRC has tested 27 communities under the current testing program. The
results so far indicate 94 possible violations out of 470 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 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. The owner told the tester, "
[w] e are just renting for a single person." An on-site race test was
conducted on the same property. Both testers spoke with the co-owner of
the property. Both testers were married and without children. The co-owner
knew the testers were married but did not tell them the unit was for single
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.
Several tests showed possible different treatment because of the disability
of the tester. In these tests the tester inquired about installing a grab
bar in the shower, and the property mangers said they didn't know whether
that was possible and they had to check with the owners or higher management.
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 as to the Fair Housing Laws.