DES MOINES, IOWA (April 9, 2019) — Governor Kim Reynolds proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month in Iowa. The State joins the nation in celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
“Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability should never hinder a person’s ability to rent or purchase a home in Iowa,” said Gov Reynolds. “Our state embraces diversity of thought and unlimited opportunities for all. That’s why we will continue to ensure fair and accessible housing now and in the future.”
“As the state’s leader in affordable housing, the Iowa Finance Authority is dedicated to advancing equal housing options for Iowans,” said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Debi Durham. “We thank our industry partners for their unwavering commitment to ensuring all families have access to an affordable home.”
Adopted in 1968 and signed into law by President Lyndon B Johnson, The Fair Housing Act applies to housing and housing-related activities, including apartment and home rentals, real-estate sales, mortgage-lending, and homeowner’s insurance.
The Fair Housing Act protects individuals from being discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. Actions deemed unlawful include refusing to sell or rent housing, making housing unavailable, setting different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling, providing different housing services or facilities, and falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental.
The Iowa Finance Authority serves as a critical resource for Iowans in their search for housing options through a variety of programs for renters and home buyers. To date, IFA has helped to finance more than 29,000 units of affordable rental housing and has assisted more than 55,000 home buyers in purchasing a home.
The Iowa Legislature created the Iowa Finance Authority, in 1975 to undertake programs to assist in the attainment of housing for low — and moderate-income Iowans. Since then, the Iowa Finance Authority’s role has grown to include affordable housing, water quality and agricultural development programs.
