For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DISCRIMINATION or DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES. Any difference in treatment based upon race, color, religion, sex or national origin or any act that is unlawful under this chapter.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. Any person, as defined herein, engaged in the business of lending money or guaranteeing losses.
HOUSING ACCOMMODATION OR DWELLING. Any building, mobile home or trailer, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or intended for occupancy as a residence by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, mobile home or trailer, structure or portion thereof or any real property as defined herein, used or intended to be used for any of the purposes set forth herein.
MORTGAGE BROKER. An individual who is engaged in or who performs the business or services of a mortgage broker as the same are defined by Iowa statutes.
OPEN MARKET. The market which is informed of the availability for sale, purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation, whether informed through a real estate broker or by advertising by publication, signs or by any other advertising methods directed to the public or any portion thereof, indicating that the property is available for sale, purchase, rental or lease.
OWNER. A lessee, sub-lessee, co-tenant, assignee, managing agent or other person having the right of ownership or possession, or the right to sell, rent or lease any housing accommodation.
PERSON. Individuals, children, firms, associations, joint ventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations and all other groups or combinations.
REAL ESTATE BROKER or REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON. Any individual qualified by law who, for a fee, commission, salary or for other valuable consideration, or who, with the intention or expectation of receiving or collecting same, lists, sells, purchases, rents or leases any housing accommodations, including options thereupon, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate such activities; or who advertises or holds themselves out as engaged in such activities, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate a loan, secured by a mortgage or other encumbrance, upon transfer of any housing accommodation; or who is engaged in the business of charging an advance fee or contracting for collection of a fee in connection with a contract whereby the broker or salesperson undertakes to promote the sale, purchase, rental or lease of any housing accommodation through its listing in a publication issued primarily for such purposes; or an individual employed by or acting on behalf of any of these.
REAL PROPERTY. Buildings, structures, lands, tenements, leaseholds, cooperatives and condominiums.
(2011 Code, § 42.0102)