Fair Housing
Iowa Northland Regional Housing Authority is committed to equal opportunity in housing. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Equal Opportunity in Housing
The Federal Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits discrimination in housing based on race or color. The Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title VIII, and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1989 prohibit discrimination in housing based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and familial status.
Familial status, or the presence of children in the home, protects families with children under 18 years of age. Also protected are families seeking custody of a child or expecting the birth of a child. There is only a narrow exception to this part of the law: units designated as "housing for older persons." Property owners are required by law to allow reasonable modifications to a property (at the tenant's expense) and to make reasonable accommodations in policies in order to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. State: The "Iowa Civil Rights Act" (Iowa Code 216) prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, mental disability, physical disability, and familial status (presence of children in the home). Local: Many cities have local civil/human rights agencies prohibiting housing discrimination. Contact your local city hall for more information.
If you believe you have been discriminated against in housing, you have the right to file a complaint. Contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for more information about filing a housing discrimination complaint. A complaint must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory practice, per Iowa law. A complaint can also be filed with HUD within one year or filed as a private court action within two years. CALL: 515-281-4121 OR 800-457-4416 VISIT icrc.iowa.gov Grimes State Office Building 400 E 14th St., Des Moines 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
Equal Housing Opportunity
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Who is Protected?
Under the Fair Housing Act and Iowa law, it is illegal to discriminate based on:
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial Status (families with children under 18)
- Disability
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity
- Source of Income (including housing vouchers)
What is Prohibited?
Refusal to Rent or Sell
Refusing to rent or sell housing to a person because of a protected characteristic.
Different Terms or Conditions
Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for the sale or rental of a dwelling based on a protected class.
False Denial of Availability
Falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental.
Discriminatory Advertising
Making, printing, or publishing any notice, statement, or advertisement that indicates a preference or limitation based on a protected class.
Harassment or Intimidation
Threatening, coercing, intimidating, or interfering with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others in doing so.
Failure to Accommodate
Refusing to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services for persons with disabilities.
Disability Accommodations
INRHA will make reasonable accommodations in its rules, policies, practices, or services when necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing.
To request a reasonable accommodation or modification, please contact our office. Requests should be made in writing when possible. INRHA will respond to accommodation requests in a timely manner.
Contact INRHA
If you have questions about fair housing rights or need to request a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to our office.
Office hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5:00 PM | Fri 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
How to Report Discrimination
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC).
Complaints must generally be filed within one year of the discriminatory act. You may file a complaint online, by phone, or by mail. Filing a complaint is free of charge.
HUD Fair Housing
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
State of Iowa fair housing enforcement agency
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