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blog http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/ Considering Court? A Small Claims Synopsis http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/considering-court-a-small-claims-synopsis/ <blockquote>
Information Copyright © 2012 Iowa Judicial Branch
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<blockquote>
http://www.iowacourts.gov/Representing_Yourself/Civil_Law/Small_Claims/index.asp
What is a small claims case?
 
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Small claims court was created to provide citizens with a low-cost, simple process for resolving civil disputes involving small amounts of money. The applicable Iowa laws may be found in Iowa Code chapter 631.
A small claims case is a civil action for a money judgment in which the amount in controversy is $5000 or less. An action for forcible entry and detainer arising out of a landlord tenant dispute can be brought in small claims court. In small claims court, cases are tried before a judge, not a jury, and without strict regard to technicalities of rules of procedure. There are easy to complete forms for small claims available on this website, with links to the forms and instrucions at the top of this page.
Start a Small Claims Case
 
To begin a small claims case, review the <a href="http://www.iowacourts.gov/Representing_Yourself/Civil_Law/Small_Claims/Instructions_for_Pro_Se_Users/index.asp">"Instructions for Pro Se Users" </a>available through the link at the top of this page. You will then be able to choose and download the appropriate small claims <a href="http://www.iowacourts.gov/Representing_Yourself/Civil_Law/Small_Claims/Small_Claims_Forms/">Original Notice </a>form available on this website. Complete the form and give it to the clerk of court to file with an eighty-five dollar filing fee. There may be an additional cost for having the petition served on the other party. 
Defending a Small Claims Case
 
If you have received an Original Notice naming you as a defendant, review the Instructions for a Defendant <a href="http://www.iowacourts.gov/Representing_Yourself/Civil_Law/Small_Claims/Instructions_for_Pro_Se_Users/index.asp">Responding to a Small Claims Action </a>available through the "Instructions for Pro Se Users" at the top of this page. Download a small claims <a href="http://www.iowacourts.gov/wfdata/frame13759-2162/File10.pdf">Appearance and Answer </a>form from this website. If you believe you also have a claim against the person suing you, you may file a small claims <a href="http://www.iowacourts.gov/wfdata/frame13759-2162/File12.pdf">Counter Claim </a>by using a form available on this website. Complete the appropriate forms and deliver them to the clerk of court for filing. There is no fee for filing an answer. If you do not file an answer, you risk the chance of having the court enter a default judgment against you.
 Court Hearing
 
If the other party has entered a timely answer or defaulted (not answered), the clerk will assign a case to the court calendar for hearing. The clerk shall transmit the case file to the judge assigned to hear the case. A magistrate, district associate judge, or district court judge may hear the case. 
Judicial magistrates hear most small claims cases. Small claims hearings shall be simple and informal. Follow the <a href="http://www.iowacourts.gov/wfData/files/TipsforProSe.pdf">Tips for Representing Yourself</a> on this website.
Hearings are not recorded by a certified court reporter unless the party provides the reporter at the party's own expense. At the magistrate's discretion the hearing may be electronically recorded by other means.
Failure to Appear at Hearing
Unless good cause to the contrary is shown, if parties fail to appear at the time of the hearing the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice. If the plaintiff fails to appear, but the defendant appears, the claim shall be dismissed with prejudice. If the plaintiff appears, but the defendant does not, judgment shall be rendered against the defendant.
Using a Lawyer for Small Claims
 
Some litigants in small claims court choose to have a lawyer, though it is not required. If you do want to have an attorney represent you in court, but want some assistance preparing your case you might consider retaining a lawyer for an hour or so to look over your case and point out strong and weak points.
 
Default Judgment
 
If a defendant fails to appear and the clerk of court determines proper notice was given, judgment shall be rendered against the defendant by the clerk of court if the relief is readily ascertainable. If the relief is not readily ascertainable, a judge shall render judgment.
 
Setting Aside a Default Judgment
 
A defendant may ask the court to set aside a default judgment for good cause, including mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect, or unavoidable casualty. A motion to set aside a default judgment must be filed promptly after the discovery of the grounds, but not more than sixty days after entry of the judgment. 
 
Appeal
 
If you are unhappy with the decision in the case, you may appeal. To appeal you must:
<ul style="margin-top: 0in"><li>Either tell the judge at the conclusion of the hearing that you want to appeal, or file a written notice of appeal with the clerk within twenty days after the decision is rendered. </li>
<li>Pay the docket fee to the clerk of court within twenty days after the decision is rendered. </li>
</ul> 
If a magistrate decided the original action, a district associate or district court judge will hear the appeal. If a district associate judge heard the original action, a district court judge shall decide the appeal. And if a district court judge heard the original action, another district court judge shall decide the appeal. 
 
The appeal shall be heard upon the record without taking additional evidence. If the original action was recorded electronically, the tape recording or other medium shall be the record on appeal.
If you are not pleased with the outcome of the appeal, you may ask the Iowa Supreme Court to review the case. In small claims cases, however, the supreme court has discretion to decide if it will review the case—review is not a matter of right. 
Prohibited Practices
The court, after notice and hearing, may bar you from appearing on your own behalf in a small claims action if you do any of the following: 
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· Falsely hold yourself out
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<blockquote>
Copyright © 2012 Iowa Judicial Branch
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<blockquote>
http://www.iowacourts.gov/Representing_Yourself/Civil_Law/Small_Claims/index.asp
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</blockquote> Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:23:27 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/considering-court-a-small-claims-synopsis/ Schedule a Presentation for your Student Organization http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/schedule-a-presentation-for-your-student-organization/ Interested in scheduling a personalized presentation by a licensed attorney for your student organization?
In addition to our annual large educationals, Student Legal Services offers individual presentations to University of Iowa student organizations. These presentations cover a number of pertinent topics, ranging from how students should behave when confronted by the police, to what your legal rights are and how to assert them. Specifically tailored presentations regarding particular legal issues and questions are also available upon request.
To schedule a presentation, give us a call at 319-335-3276 or contact Patrick Grim at patrick-grim@uiowa.edu. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:07:47 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/schedule-a-presentation-for-your-student-organization/ A Consumer's Guide to Fair Housing http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/a-consumer-s-guide-to-fair-housing/ Click below to view a PDF of the State of Iowa's Consumer's Guide to Fair Housing:
<a title="3 INTRODUCTION You can use this booklet to learn more about your housing rights as a person with a disability. You can also learn what to do if you feel your housing rights have been denied." href="http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/docs/ConsumersGuidetoFairHousing_July08.pdf">A Consumer's Guide to Fair Housing</a>
A Consumer's Guide to Fair Housing is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A joint project of the Governor’s Developmental Disability Council, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Iowa Division of Person with Disabilities, Iowa Legal Aid, Iowa Program for Assistive Technology, and the University of Iowa School of Law; with editorial and design support from the Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:07:23 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/a-consumer-s-guide-to-fair-housing/ Roomate Agreement http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/roomate-agreement/ <div>
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Set the ground rules…
It is extremely important that you and your roommates are clear on your expectations. It is beneficial to all tenants to spell out your individual responsibilities in a roommate contract. By providing written documentation of each roommates responsibilities to each other, a roommate contract can help avoid disputes later on and help ensure that all roommates contribute equally to household tasks and cleaning of the apartment.
Click below to set up your own agreements:
<a title="Sample Roommate Agreement in Microsoft Word" href="http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/assets/roommate-agreement.docx" target="_blank">Sample Roommate Agreement</a>
Questions about how to set-up an agreement? Please call our office at (319) 335-3276 to set up a free appointment to discuss your questions/concerns Our office hours are 8AM-12PM, 1PM-5PM Monday-Friday.
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</div> Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:34:51 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/roomate-agreement/ Before You Sign http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/before-you-sign/ 
MAKING THE DECISION TO RENT OFF-CAMPUS:
So you're moving out of the dorms? When making the decision to rent off-campis, one the most important factors to consider is your lease agreement. A lease agreement is a binding contract governing the terms of your residence in the rental property. Notably, these are very difficult to terminate. Private landlords are much less likely to be accommodating to unforeseen situations than University Housing would be.
 
LEASE AGREEMENTS
A lease agreement is a binding contract which is very difficult to terminate. Once you sign a lease, you are responsible for the entire monthly rent for the term of the lease. THIS MEANS THAT YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY RENT FOR A ROOMMATE IF THAT PERSON MOVES OUT! 
You can have the lease reviewed by Student Legal Services (link to SLS) prior to signing.
TIPS FOR FINDING RENTAL PROPERTY
<ul><li>DOES IT COMPLY WITH THE CITY CODE? You should first check to see if the rental unit has a valid permit, as well as the maximum occupancy limit. If a unit does not have a valid permit, it is probably due to a health or safety violation. You also want to make sure that only the number of people allowed to live in the unit are on the lease. DO NOT LET LANDLORDS TALK YOU INTO UNAUTHORIZED ROOMMATES AND THEN NOT INCLUDE THEIR NAMES ON THE LEASE.</li>
</ul>Permit &amp; Occupancy Information:
 <a href="http://www.iowa-city.org/icgov/apps/gen/rentals.asp">http://www.iowa-city.org/icgov/apps/gen/rentals.asp</a>
Iowa City Housing Authority: <a href="http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1186">http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1186</a>
<ul><li>LOOK EARLY: Apartments in Iowa City go fast. The following are good resources for finding available properties and roommates:</li>
</ul><ol><li>Rentals, roommates, sublets, furniture, etc.:</li>
</ol>University of Iowa Off Campus Housing: <a href="http://offcampushousing.uiowa.edu/">http://offcampushousing.uiowa.edu/</a>
2. Websites such as www.craigslist.com and Facebook.
3. Local Newspapers.
4. Bulletin boards postings in grocery stores, laundromats, etc.
5. Friends are often aware of possible vacancies.
<ul><li>REAL COST OF RENTING: </li>
</ul>In addition to the rent, you should account for these additional costs:
 
<ul><li>Gas/electric/water: Contact the utility companies to get the average bill/month</li>
<li>Security Deposit (1st &amp; last month’s rent) and Application Fees. </li>
<li>Moving expenses</li>
<li>Rental insurance</li>
<li>Parking.</li>
<li>Cable T.V./Internet</li>
<li>Purchase of furniture, other items.</li>
<li>Bus stops nearby?</li>
<li>Is there adequate security?</li>
</ul> 
Try to talk to the current tenants without the landlord to find out more about the rental unit, utility costs, and reliability of the landlord.
Check out “rate your landlord” websites: 
<a href="http://www.apartmentratings.com/">www.apartmentratings.com</a>
<a href="http://www.apartmentreviews.com/">www.apartmentreviews.com</a>
<a href="http://www.ratemyapartment.com/">www.ratemyapartment.com</a>
WARNING: NEVER RENT A RENTAL UNIT WITHOUT FIRST LOOKING AT THE EXACT UNIT YOU WILL BE RENTING. Some landlords will show a “model” unit which will be in a much better condition than the unit you will actually be renting. Make sure that the address of the unit you are shown is what is shown on the lease agreement. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:39:22 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/before-you-sign/ Moving In http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/moving-in/ MOVING IN
When you are moving into your new apartment, there are several important things you should do to protect your rights later on.
Fill out a Move-In Checklist
<ul><li>You should walk through the entire unit before moving your furniture in, and document any and all damages/problems that you see. It is to your benefit to fill out the <a href="http://offcampus.osu.edu/posts/documents/move-in-move-out-checklist-edit2.pdf">Move-In Checklist (PDF Document)</a>, make a copy for your records, and provide a copy to your landlord within the first 7 days of the lease term. KEEP A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS!</li>
<li>Take photographs/video of the unit making sure to turn on the date stamp function on your camera. Then save the photos in-case you need to use them in court.</li>
</ul>UTILITIES
<ul><li>Your lease determines your responsibilities for utility activation and payment. Many landlords will pay for the water, but you are usually responsible for all other utilities; gas, electric, telephone, cable, internet, cell phone, etc. Contact the utility companies at least 2 weeks in advance of the move in date.</li>
<li>When doing your budget, you not only have to consider your rent each month, but also utility costs on top of that. Generally speaking, the cost of utilities may be the greatest when living alone. If you are sharing an apartment/house, you are also able to share the cost of utility bills. You should spell out how you will share your utility bills in your roommate contract. </li>
<li>Utility costs greatly vary. If you are living in an apartment complex versus an older home, the quality of insulation can be quite different. Houses tend to be a larger area of space to heat/cool.</li>
<li>Ask tenants that currently live in the apartment complex/house how much they pay for their utility bills on average. Gas, electric and water can vary based on usage. You can call the cable, internet and phone companies to get price quotes for the various packages they offer.</li>
</ul>Purchase Renter's Insurance
<ul><li>Get renter’s insurance. Your lease may require you to have Renter’s insurance. Landlords typically have property insurance, but this does not cover your personal property. You want to make sure to have insurance to replace your belongings if they are damaged in a fire or stolen from your apartment, for example. It tends to be cheaper to add a policy to the same company as your car insurance.. You may also be added to your parent's home owner's insurance (check with their company's policy for details). If either is not an option, it is still inexpensive to purchase renters insurance. </li>
</ul> Sun, 04 Nov 2012 10:39:22 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/moving-in/ Living In http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/living-in/ REPAIRS
You should also send a Notice To Repair letter to the landlord, outlining all repairs that need to be done. This letter requires the landlord to repair the damages within seven days. A sample letter is available: <a title="word document" href="http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/assets/Seven-Day-Notice-Letter.docx" target="_blank">Seven Days Notice Letter</a>
Grocery Stores
There are a variety of grocery stores near the campus area. Purchasing food at the grocery store versus eating at restaurants every day can help you budget your expenses.
Refuse Collection: While living off-campus, you need to be aware of your trash pick-up day. Remember, being a good neighbor also means keeping your property clean and clear of garbage.
Living in the Apartment: Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants. 
The Iowa UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT LAW (link to PDF) is codified in the code of Iowa, chapter 562A. This law, in addition to your lease, spells out your responsibilities as a tenant, the landlord’s responsibilities, and what a landlord or a tenant can do if the other is not living up to their responsibilities. As a tenant, during the terms of your lease, you are required to follow the terms of your lease, including paying rent. Furthermore, even if it is not in the lease, the law requires tenants to:
 1. Comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by
 applicable provisions of building and housing codes materially
 affecting health and safety.
 
 2. Keep that part of the premises that the tenant occupies and
 uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit.
 
 
 3. Dispose from the tenant's dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish,
 garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner.
 
 4. Keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by the
 tenant as clean as their condition permits.
 
 5. Use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary,
 heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and
 appliances including elevators in the premises.
 
 6. Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair or remove a part of the premises
 or knowingly permit a person
 to do so.
 
 7. Act in a manner that will not disturb a neighbor's peaceful
 enjoyment of the premises. (This can include noise.)
 
During the term of the lease, beyond anything written in the lease, the law requires the landlord to:
<pre> a. Comply with the requirements of applicable building and</pre>
<pre> housing codes materially affecting health and safety.</pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre> b. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and</pre>
<pre> keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition.</pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre> c. Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe</pre>
<pre> condition. The landlord shall not be liable for any injury caused by</pre>
<pre> any objects or materials which belong to or which have been placed by</pre>
<pre> a tenant in the common areas of the premises used by the tenant.</pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre> d. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all</pre>
<pre> electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating,</pre>
<pre> air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including</pre>
<pre> elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord.</pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre> e. Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and</pre>
<pre> conveniences, accessible to all tenants, for the central collection</pre>
<pre> and removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to</pre>
<pre> the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal.</pre>
<pre> </pre>
<pre> f. Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water</pre>
<pre> at all times and reasonable heat, except where the building that</pre>
<pre> includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for</pre>
<pre> that purpose, or the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot</pre>
<pre> water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of</pre>
<pre> the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility connection.</pre>
<pre> </pre>
A tenant must allow a landlord to have reasonable access to the apartment to make repairs and allow the landlord to show the apartment to potential future tenants. Unless there is a real emergency, the landlord must always obtain the tenants consent to enter the apartment and give the tenant 24 hours notice before entering.
As a tenant, you can comply with the law by keeping your apartment reasonably clean and not damaging the apartment.
Quick Tip: Be careful about what you put down the drains. If you put something inappropriate down the drains, and it backs up and damage to the apartment occurs, a landlord may be able to charge you for it. Watch out for potato skins and other hard organic matter that won’t biodegrade, even through a garbage disposal. These are notorious for clogging drains.
If either a tenant or a landlord is not living up to their obligations under the lease or the law, they may give the other party a seven day notice letter. This is a letter that tells the tenant or the landlord what the problem is, and that if it isn’t fixed within 7 days, the lease will terminate. A sample letter is available here. (insert link to sample 7 day notice letter)
You may also be evicted for creating a clear and present danger at your apartment. This usually refers to crime. Also, many leases have what is called a crime free addendum, meaning any crime committed at your apartment by you or someone you invited there is a violation of your lease. Know your lease, and be careful!
If you believe your landlord is not living up to their responsibilities under the law, or if the landlord accuses you of not living up to your responsibilities as a tenant, make an appointment with student legal services by calling 319-353-2242.
 
 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/living-in/ Moving Out http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/moving-out/ 
MOVING OUT
Moving out of your rental property can be a very hectic time, but there are a number of steps you need to take during the move-out process
<ul><li>Make sure you have provided prior notice to your landlord for when you will be vacating the premises. Some landlords require 60 days or more notice, but to find out your specific situation, check your lease and call to make sure you have notified them appropriately. If the lease doesn’t specify how much notice you must give, the law still requires you to give 30 days notice. You must provide this notice in writing. </li>
<li>Provide your landlord with a forwarding address, so that they know where to mail your security deposit (preferably sent by certified mail), and always keep a copy for your records. If you provide a forwarding address, a landlord is required to return your security deposit, minus any charges they can legally deduct from it, within 30 days, however, if you do not provide a forwarding address, after a year the landlord can legally keep your deposit. </li>
<li>Clean your apartment/house thoroughly! Remember: Your landlord can deduct money from you security deposit for damages and items not properly cleaned.</li>
<li>Fill out a move-out checklist, documenting the condition of the property once you have moved out. Give a copy to your landlord and make sure to keep a copy for your own records.</li>
<li>Take pictures and video-tape the unit. When video-taping the unit, make sure to document the date (i.e. Hold a newspaper from that day and video-tape this). NOTE: When video-taping, make sure to do this in one taping (do not pause or stop the tape at any time!).</li>
<li>Don't forget to return the keys to the landlord by the end of the lease term!</li>
</ul>Return of Your Security Deposit
<ul><li>Your landlord is required to return your entire security deposit, or an itemized list of deductions and any remaining deposit, within 30 days of the end of the lease term (assuming they were provided with a forwarding address in writing before the lease term was over). If you are having issues with the return of your security deposit, or believe that the landlord is unfairly withholding a portion of it, contact the Student Legal Services office at 319.335.3276</li>
</ul> Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:14:36 -0500 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/moving-out/ EVENT: Know Your Rights http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/event-know-your-rights/ <h3>Know the Law: Know Your Rights!</h3>
The numbers say it all: More than 1,200 UI students were charged with alcohol and drug violations last year. Here at Student Legal Services, we don't want you to become one of those statistics. Too often students unnecessarily plead guilty or consent to searches in situations where they are simply confused on what legal rights they can exercise.
Our annual Know the Law: Know Your Rights presentation covers a number of pertinent topics, ranging from how students should behave when confronted by the police, to what your legal rights are and how to assert them. The presentation even includes a portion from a University of Iowa Police officer on what the police look for on the job in deciding whether a person should be charged or arrested. With employers and graduate schools now asking for applicants’ background information, the importance of not having any type of criminal record has only increased in recent years. And in the state of the economy, where jobs are scarce and applicants are increasing, a conviction could be what tips the balance.
Come to Know the Law: Know Your Rights on Wednesday, September 12th in the 2nd Floor IMU Ballroom to learn more about your legal rights to ensure that you don't jeopardize your professional future. This presentation takes place in the beginning of each fall Semester. For more information, feel free to contact Student Legal Services at 319-335-3276 Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:30:00 -0500 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/event-know-your-rights/ Finding the Right Place http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/finding-the-right-place/ 
GENERAL TIPS FOR FINDING AN APARTMENT
Start Looking Early: Apartments in Iowa City go fast. The following are good resources for finding available properties:
1. Local Newspapers:
2. University of Iowa Off campus housing listing site
3. Friends are often aware of possible vacancies.
4. Bulletin boards in laundromats, etc., may have rental postings.
5. Websites such as www.craigslist.com and
www.facebook.com. However, DO NOT rent or agree to
rent a property without seeing it first.
 
Another Precaution: NEVER RENT A LIVING UNIT WITHOUT FIRST TOURING THE EXACT UNIT YOU WILL BE RENTING. The amount of rent and other provisions in the lease, as well as the physical condition of the unit are key factors in determining whether to sign a lease. Before you even start looking, you should determine what your housing budget will be and stick to that amount . You do not want to get into a situation where you cannot afford your rent. Be aware of the length of the lease agreement you are signing. Most landlords offer a lease for a full year; in the Iowa City area they typically begin on August 1 and end on July 31.
 
When your are looking for an apartment, you should also investigate the reputation of the landlord and manager concerning maintenance, return of security deposits and genera relationships with tenants. Look at the locks on the doors and windows, and the lighting around the apartment to evaluate the security of the apartment against theft. Consider the quality and the age of the construction and insulation as it will affect the cost of heating and cooling: Iowa City generally has hot summers and cold winters. Current and former tenants are good sources of information, as are neighbors. Ask lots of questions when looking at the property, find out what the average utilities are, and go visit the property at night to see if you feel safe in the neighborhood and if the area around the property is well lit. Check out “rate your landlord” websites: <a href="http://www.apartmentratings.com/">www.apartmentratings.com</a>, www.apartmentreviews.com, and www.ratemyapartment.com.
 
Finally, before you sign a lease, Consider Signing a Roommate Contract 
<ul><li>It is extremely important that you and your roommates are clear on your expectations. It is beneficial to all tenants to spell out your individual responsibilities in a roommate contract. By providing written documentation of each roommates responsibilities to each other, a roommate contract can help avoid disputes later on and help ensure that all roommates contribute equally to household tasks and cleaning of the apartment. Fill out your own roommate contract <a title="Sample Roommate Agreement in Microsoft Word" href="http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/assets/roommate-agreement.docx" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
</ul> Wed, 15 Aug 2012 18:00:00 -0500 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/finding-the-right-place/ Discrimination http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/discrimination/ DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination (hyper link to <a href="http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/Areas/Fair%20Housing.html">http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/Areas/Fair%20Housing.html</a>) in housing on the following basis is illegal:
<table style="width: 804px; height: 301px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="399" valign="top">
<ul><li>Race </li>
<li>Religion</li>
<li>Color</li>
<li>Gender or gender identity</li>
<li>Sexual orientation</li>
<li>Disability</li>
<li>National origin or ancestry </li>
<li>Familial status </li>
</ul></td>
<td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
</tr><tr><td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
<td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
</tr><tr><td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
<td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
</tr><tr><td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
<td width="399" valign="top"> </td>
</tr></tbody></table>Anyone denied housing because of such discrimination should file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) as well as the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. A complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory practice. Remember that Student Legal Services (hyper link) provides free advice.
ICRC Complaint Form: (Link to: <a href="http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/file_complaint/index.html">http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc/file_complaint/index.html</a> )
Iowa City Human Rights Commission Complaint Form: (Link to: <a href="http://www.icgov.org/site/CMSv2/file/humanRights/humancomplaint.pdf">http://www.icgov.org/site/CMSv2/file/humanRights/humancomplaint.pdf</a> ) Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 -0600 http://uisg.uiowa.edu/housing/rental-topics/discrimination/