Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3-14-95

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

On February 15 and 17, 1995 the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Commission) conducted 14 housing tests in the City of Ankeny, Iowa. The Commission found 5 possible violations of state and federal Fair Housing laws.

In two instances, the tested apartment complexes appeared to discriminate on the basis of familial status.

In the first case, the apartment manager informed our tester that they could not rent a 850 square foot, two bedroom apartment because they had two children. The tester was told that they needed a three bedroom apartment and that none were available or coming available. The manager then encouraged the tester to look at other apartment complexes. The City of Ankeny Housing Code permits 2 adults and two children in an 850 square foot apartment.

In the second case, the apartment manager asked the age of the tester's two children when the tester inquired about a two bedroom apartment. The manager indicated that some families would not be allowed in a two bedroom apartment depending on the sex and age of their children.

In three instances, the tested apartment complexes appeared to discriminate on the basis of race.

In the first case, the apartment manager showed the African American and White testers the same apartment. The manager then offered to show the White tester an additional apartment in another complex. The manager did not offer to show the African American tester another apartment.

In the second case, the White tester was again shown additional apartments not shown to the African American tester. The testers were initially shown the same apartment. The African American tester was told about the availability of other apartments but the manager did not offer to show them. The manager mentioned the availability of other apartments to the White tester and asked the tester if he would like to see them.

In the third case, the manager showed the African American tester an occupied apartment that was cluttered because the tenant was in the process of moving out. The manager told the African American tester that this was the only apartment he had available and he was in no hurry to rent it. The manager then showed the White tester a vacant apartment and mentioned that he would have another apartment coming available.

The Commission tested owners and managers of available properties to see how applicants for rental units are treated. The Commission found property to test advertised in the local newspapers, yellow pages, Realtor offices, and community bulletin boards.

Housing tests help show the extent of discrimination in Iowa. 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 purpose of testing is to learn if discrimination occurs, to educate providers of housing and to encourage voluntary compliance with laws. Commission initiated complaints may be filed when warranted.

Fair Housing laws provide that all people should have equal opportunity to be considered for housing and housing services. The Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 is enforced by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. The Federal Fair Housing Law is enforced by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Both agencies work cooperatively. Federal and State courts have consistently upheld testing as a viable tool in the fight to end unlawful discrimination.

Testers are carefully trained and paired to be similarly situated. All persons tested are notified by phone following the test program and offered free Fair Housing educational materials which anyone can obtain by leaving their name and address at 515-2426093.

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.