Press Release from: IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11-30-95

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




Iowa Civil Rights Commission Conducts Housing Tests in Charles City

On October 27, 28 and 29, 1995, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) conducted 21 housing tests in the City of Charles City, Iowa and the surrounding community. The tests showed 4 possible violations of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The ICRC has tested 29 communities under the current testing program. Cities tested include Altoona, Anamosa, Ankeny, Charles City, Cherokee, Clear Lake, Clive, Coralville, Creston, Decorah, Des Moines, Estherville, Grinnell, Independence, Indianola, Knoxville, Le Mars, Manchester, Maquoketa, Nevada, Oelwein, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer, Storm Lake, Urbandale, Vinton, Waverly, and Windsor Heights. The results so far indicate 101 possible violations out of 528 tests.

In these tests the ICRC 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.

Two tests showed possible different treatment because of the race of the testers. In these tests realtors told the White testers about apartments for rent which they did not mention to the African American testers.

Two other tests showed possible different treatment because of the disability of the tester. In one test the tester inquired about installing a wheelchair ramp at the front door. The owner said, "I don't know if there's a way you can even do that." She added " [b]ecause there's railings like on the porch. There's like 3 steps I think. I'm not sure." 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 regarding Fair Housing Laws.