Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9-21-95

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




Civil Rights Commission Conducts Housing Tests in Independence


On August 19, 1995 the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (Commission) conducted 19 housing tests in the City of Independence, Iowa. The tests showed 3 possible violations of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The Commission has tested 18 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.

Several tests showed possible different treatment of renters because of the presence of children. In one case the property owner told the tester his 2 bedroom house would not be large enough for a family with 2 children.

When a city does not have an occupancy code regulating the number of people allowed in a rental property, state and federal regulations apply. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 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.

A second test showed possible different treatment because of the disability of the tester. In this case the tester inquired about making modifications to the house for his wheelchair. The owner told the tester this would be a problem. The owner said, "Oh boy. I don't know if my husband would want to do that or not. Oh boy, that's a different situation. I don't know. I can talk to him about it. I don't know." Fair Housing Law allows tenants to make modifications to their rental units, at their own expense, to accommodate their disability.

The cities tested to date include Altoona, Anamosa, Ankeny, Cherokee, Clive, Coralville, Estherville, Grinnell, Independence, Knoxville, Le Mars, Manchester, Maquoketa, Nevada, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer and Storm Lake. The results so far indicate 5 8 possible violations out of 314 tests.