Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8-22-95

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



Iowa Civil Rights Commission Conducts Housing Tests in Anamosa

On August 3 and 4, 1995 the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Commission) conducted 15 housing tests in the City of Anamosa, Iowa. The tests showed 1 possible violation of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The Commission has tested 15 communities under the current testing program. 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.

One test showed possible different treatment of the tester because of the presence of children. In this case the tester inquired about a two bedroom town house for her husband, herself and their two children. The manager told the tester, This is a two bedroom, I really discourage more than three people. Size wise it just doesn't have that much room." Iowa Code 5 216.8(l) prohibits
an owner from refusing to rent real property to a person because they have children. Landlords should allow prospective tenants to decide the suitable of rental property. Landlords are not to discourage potential tenants from renting because they have children.

Iowa Code § 216.8(3) prohibits an owner from directly or indirectly advertising, or in any other manner indicating rental of any real property by persons of any particular familial status is unwelcome, objectionable, not acceptable or not solicited.

Since the City of Anamosa does not have an occupancy code regulating the number of people allowed in a two bedroom apartment, state and federal regulations apply. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development current guidance requires a dwelling unit to have 150 square feet for the first occupant and a 100 square feet for each additional occupant. In addition the guidance requires sleeping rooms to contain 50 square feet for each occupant. Sleeping rooms may include bedrooms, as well as living rooms and dining rooms but do not include hallways, bathrooms, kitchens or closets.

The cities tested to date include Altoona, Anamosa, Ankeny, Cherokee, Clive, Coralville, Estherville, Grinnell, Knoxville, Le Mars, Nevada, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer and Storm Lake. The results so far indicate 44 possible violations out of 261 tests.