Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7-19-95

Contact Person: Don Grove, Executive Director, 515-281-8884

Iowa Civil Rights Commission Conducts Housing Tests in Coralville

On July 6 and 7, 1995 the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Commission) conducted 41 housing tests in the City of Coralville, Iowa. The tests showed 6 possible violations of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The Commission has tested 12 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.

Three tests showed possible different treatment of the tester because of the presence of children. In one case the tester inquired about a two bedroom apartment for her spouse, herself and their two children. The manager said the apartment was too small for them. The manager did not tell the tester how big the apartment was when she asked about it. The rule is to allow 2 people per average sized bedroom.

Two tests showed possible different treatment because of the testers disability. In one test the potential tenant asked if it would OK to install a grab bar in the shower/bath at his own expense. The manager stated he was not sure and would have to check. Fair Housing Law allows tenants to make modifications to their rental units to accommodate their disability. These modifications are done at the tenant's expense. Property owners have the responsibility to educate their property managers and representatives as to the Fair Housing Laws.

In the race test the manager/owner of the complex offered the white tester a discount on her July rent if she took the unit. The owner/manager did not offer the African American tester a discount.

The cities tested to date include Ankeny, Altoona, Cherokee, Clive, Coralville, Grinnell, Knoxville, Le Mars, Nevada, Sioux Center, Sioux City, and Storm Lake. The results so far indicate 38 possible violations out of 199 tests.