[CIVIL. REG.,071096,0800]
Housing Tests
(Iowa Civil Rights Commission; 07/10/96; 0800)
In a test to determine whether persons with disabilities would be denied or discouraged from making application, the tester asked the property manager if she could install grab bars, at her expense, in the bathroom to accommodate her husband's disability. The manager said that she didn't know and would have to check with the owners in Des Moines.
Fair housing laws require landlords to allow persons with disabilities to make reasonable modifications of existing premises if necessary to occupy and enjoy full use of the premises. The modifications are to be done at the tenant's expense. A landlord may oversee the modifications and, where reasonable to do so, condition permission for modification on the tenant's agreement to restore the premises to the condition that existed before the modification, reasonable wear and tear excepted. Owners are responsible to educate their employees and agents regarding fair housing laws.
Under the latest testing program funded by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the ICRC tested landlords and realtors in 51 Iowa communities to determine the nature and extent of housing discrimination in Iowa.
During the period, February 15, 1995 through April 30, 1996, the ICRC conducted 909 tests, found 136 possible violations of fair housing laws, and filed 41 commissioner complaints.
The ICRC's purpose in testing is to educate and reform. Everyone tested is contacted and informed about the test and the test results. Persons who pass the tests are thanked for following the law and persons who do not pass are either counseled regarding the law or served with a complaint, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
The ICRC has recently published a new, 16-page Fair Housing Guide which is free upon request. For a copy, contact the ICRC's public education officer, Carol Leach, at 515-281-8354 or 1-800-457-4416 ext. 1-8354.