Iowa Code ch. 216 § 216.2
Definitions
Operative Text
When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Agency” means the administrative function of the Iowa office of civil rights, including the director and staff. “Agency” does not include a member of the Iowa state civil rights commission. 2. “Commission” means the Iowa state civil rights commission created within the Iowa office of civil rights. 3. “Commissioner” means a member of the commission. 4. “Court” means the district court in and for any judicial district of the state of Iowa or any judge of the court if the court is not in session at that time. 5. “Covered multifamily dwelling” means any of the following: a. A building consisting of four or more dwelling units if the building has one or more elevators. b. The ground floor units of a building consisting of four or more dwelling units. 6. “Director” means the director of the Iowa office of civil rights. 7. “Disability” means the physical or mental condition of a person which constitutes a substantial disability, and the condition of a person with a positive human immunodeficiency virus test result, a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex, or any other condition related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The inclusion of a condition related to a positive human immunodeficiency virus test result in the meaning of “disability” under the provisions of this chapter does not preclude the application of the provisions of this chapter to conditions resulting from other contagious or infectious diseases. 8. “Employee” means any person employed by an employer. 9. “Employer” means the state of Iowa or any political subdivision, board, commission, department, institution, or school district thereof, and every other person employing employees within the state. 10. “Employment agency” means any person undertaking to procure employees or opportunities to work for any other person or any person holding itself to be equipped to do so. 11. a. “Familial status” means one or more individuals under the age of eighteen domiciled with one of the following: 1. A parent or another person having legal custody of the individual or individuals. 2. The designee of the parent or the other person having custody of the individual or individuals, with the written permission of the parent or other person. 3. A person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of the individual or individuals. b. “Familial status” also means a person who is pregnant or who is in the process of securing legal custody of an individual who has not attained the age of eighteen years. 12. “Labor organization” means any organization which exists for the purpose in whole or in part of collective bargaining, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms, or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment. 13. “Office” means the Iowa office of civil rights. 14. “Person” means one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, receivers, and the state of Iowa and all political subdivisions and agencies thereof. 15. a. “Public accommodation” means each and every place, establishment, or facility of whatever kind, nature, or class that caters or offers services, facilities, or goods for a fee or charge to nonmembers of any organization or association utilizing the place, establishment, or facility, provided that any place, establishment, or facility that caters or offers services, facilities, or goods to the nonmembers gratuitously shall be deemed a public accommodation if the accommodation receives governmental support or subsidy. Public accommodation shall not mean any bona fide private club or other place, establishment, or facility which is by its nature distinctly private, except when such distinctly private place, establishment, or facility caters or offers services, facilities, or goods to the nonmembers for fee or charge or gratuitously, it shall be deemed a public accommodation during such period. b. “Public accommodation” includes each state and local government unit or tax-supported district of whatever kind, nature, or class that offers services, facilities, benefits, grants or goods to the public, gratuitously or otherwise. This paragraph shall not be construed by negative implication or otherwise to restrict any part or portion of the preexisting definition of the term “public accommodation”. 16. “Sexual orientation” means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality. 17. “Unfair practice” or “discriminatory practice” means those practices specified as unfair or discriminatory in sections 216.6, 216.6A, 216.7, 216.8, 216.8A, 216.8B, 216.9, 216.10, 216.11, and 216.11A.
Iowa Code § 216.2 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Iowa's civil rights chapter, defining key terms such as "disability," "familial status," "public accommodation," "covered multifamily dwelling," and "unfair or discriminatory practice." These definitions set the boundaries of who and what is covered by Iowa's civil rights protections in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The definitions also identify the institutional actors—the Iowa Office of Civil Rights, the Iowa State Civil Rights Commission, and the Director—responsible for administering and enforcing the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Iowa should be familiar with the definitions in § 216.2, as they determine which properties, tenants, and situations fall under the chapter's anti-discrimination requirements. For example, the definition of "covered multifamily dwelling" specifies which buildings are subject to accessibility-related obligations, while "familial status" and "disability" define protected classes relevant to tenant screening and housing decisions. Operators who understand these definitions are better positioned to recognize when the chapter's substantive provisions—such as those listed under "unfair practice"—apply to their day-to-day operations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code § 216.2 defines the terms that determine whether a person, property, or situation is covered by Iowa's civil rights protections. Tenants should note that the definitions of "disability" and "familial status" are broad, and that "public accommodation" includes government-supported facilities—meaning protections may apply in a variety of housing and service contexts. Those who believe they have experienced discrimination can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Iowa State Civil Rights Commission or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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