Iowa Civil Rights Commission 1995/96 Community Testing Project Decorah Press Release

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.