Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

No more than 2 months' rent. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(1) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 2

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant gives a mailing address: return the deposit or give a written statement of specific reasons for withholding. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 3

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

At least 24 hours' notice, and entry only at reasonable times (except emergencies). Source: Iowa Code § 562A.19(3) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 4

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Written notice at least 30 days before the effective date; not effective before the lease (or renewal) expires. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.13(5) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 5

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Iowa, and how much?

Accepted Answer

Rent up to $700/month: late fee capped at $12/day and $60/month. Rent over $700: $20/day and $100/month. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.9(4) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 6

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

3 days' written notice to pay or the rental agreement terminates. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.27(2) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 7

Can cities in Iowa pass rent control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A city may not adopt or enforce any ordinance limiting the rent charged for private residential or commercial property. Source: Iowa Code § 364.3(9) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/364.3.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice. Week-to-week tenancies need 10 days' notice. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.34(1)–(2) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 9

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Deposits must be held in a federally insured bank, savings and loan or credit union, separate from the landlord's own funds. Any interest earned during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(2) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 10

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ch. 562A, read in full on 2026-10-15) requires no move-in or move-out inspection or checklist. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 11

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a housing-code agency, complained to the landlord about required maintenance, or joined a tenants' union. Tenants can recover damages and attorney fees, and retaliation is a defense to eviction. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.36 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 12

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes a tenant, or willfully cuts electricity, gas, water or other essential services, the tenant may recover possession or end the lease. The tenant can also recover actual damages, punitive damages up to twice the monthly rent, and attorney fees. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.26 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 13

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

For a material breach affecting health and safety, the tenant can give written notice that the lease ends in 7 days unless the breach is remedied (§ 562A.21). If heat, water, hot water or essential services are withheld, after written notice the tenant may buy them and deduct the cost from rent, recover reduced rental value, or get pro-rated rent back (§ 562A.23). Source: Iowa Code §§ 562A.21, 562A.23 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 14

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

At or before move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner (or the owner's agent for service and notices), and keep this information current. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.13 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 15

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

If the tenant abandons the unit, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent at a fair rental. The lease ends when a new tenancy begins or as of the date the landlord has notice of the abandonment. The URLTA does not set the disposal procedure for belongings left behind. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.29 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 16

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ch. 562A, read in full on 2026-10-15) contains no early-termination right for domestic-violence victims; it only cross-references a separate military-service provision (Iowa Code § 29A.101, not read). The lease and federal SCRA otherwise control. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 17

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ch. 562A, read in full on 2026-10-15) sets no grace period before a late fee. It caps late fees at $12/day or $60/month for rent of $700 or less, and $20/day or $100/month above $700 (§ 562A.9(4)). Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A; § 562A.9(4) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 18

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 562A, the landlord-tenant statute, found no application-fee limit. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 19

How does the eviction court process work in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

The court must set the hearing no later than 8 days after filing, or up to 15 days if the landlord requests or agrees. Source: Iowa Code § 648.5(1) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/648.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 20

Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply heat, running water, hot water or essential services, the tenant may give written notice and buy reasonable amounts of them during the outage and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent (or get damages or substitute housing instead). Source: Iowa Code § 562A.23 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 21

What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant stays without consent after the lease ends, the landlord may sue for possession and, for a willful, bad-faith holdover, recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.34(4) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 22

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Either side may end a tenancy with a term longer than month-to-month by written notice at least 30 days before the end of the term. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.34(3) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 23

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

In a possession action where the tenant raises a defense or counterclaim, the court may order the tenant to pay accrued and future rent into court. The court then decides what each party is owed. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.24 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 24

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (ch. 562A) found no rule on subletting or assignment. The lease controls. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 25

What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 562A found no provision on a tenant's death. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 26

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Source of income is not a protected class in Iowa's housing anti-discrimination section. Iowa Code § 216.8 covers race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability and familial status. Source: Iowa Code § 216.8 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/216.8.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 27

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 562A found no separate rule on pet deposits or pet fees, so any pet deposit falls under the general security-deposit rules in that law. Assistance-animal rules are in fair-housing law, which this site has not reviewed for this topic. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 28

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 562A found no requirement for landlords to pay tenants relocation assistance. Government relocation programs, such as those for public projects, are in other laws not reviewed here. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 29

What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 562A found no rule requiring rent receipts, requiring or banning any payment method, or limiting payment fees. Unless otherwise agreed, rent is due at the time and place the parties agreed. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 30

What is the eviction record sealing rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 648 (forcible entry and detainer) found no provision for sealing or expunging eviction records. Court rules or other statutes, which this site has not reviewed, may still provide for it. Source: Iowa Code ch. 648 (forcible entry and detainer) (searched in full) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/648.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 31

What is the condo conversion protections rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of Iowa Code ch. 499B (Horizontal Property Act) found no notice, purchase or relocation rights for tenants when rental property is converted to condominiums. The only conversion rule is that a declaration converting an existing structure must be filed with the city (or county) at least 60 days before it is recorded, so building-code compliance can be checked (§ 499B.3). Local ordinances may still apply. Source: Iowa Code ch. 499B (Horizontal Property Act) (searched in full); § 499B.3 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/499B.pdf), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 32

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

An eviction (forcible entry and detainer) based on the grounds in § 648.1(1), (2), (3) or (5) can be brought in small claims, where it is treated as a small claim (§ 631.1(2)). In small claims, the clerk collects a $95 filing and docketing fee plus $20 postage for mailing the original notice, paid in advance and assessed as costs; personal service by an officer is charged at the amounts set by law (§ 631.6). Source: Iowa Code § 631.6; § 631.1(2) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/631.6.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 33

What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for lease violations. If the breach can be fixed by repairs, paying damages or otherwise and the tenant fixes it before the date in the notice, the lease does not end. If the same thing happens again within six months, the landlord can end the lease on 7 days' notice with no chance to fix it. Code text: "If the breach is remediable by repairs or the payment of damages or otherwise and the tenant adequately remedies the breach prior to the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement shall not terminate." Source: Iowa Code § 562A.27(1) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 34

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

For a material lease violation, the landlord gives written notice that the lease ends at least 7 days after the tenant receives it unless the breach is fixed within 7 days. Code text: "the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than seven days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in seven days." Source: Iowa Code § 562A.27(1) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 35

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Deposits must be held for the tenant in a federally insured bank, savings and loan or credit union, and not mixed with the landlord's personal funds. A shared, interest-bearing trust account is allowed. Code text: "Rental deposits shall not be commingled with the personal funds of the landlord." Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(2) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 36

What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Under Iowa's Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a park may end a rental agreement for a material breach on at least 30 days' written notice if the breach is not fixed within 14 days, or after 3 days' written notice for unpaid rent. Code text: "the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than thirty days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in fourteen days." Source: Iowa Code § 562B.25 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562B.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 37

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Existing single-family rental units and multi-unit residential buildings must have smoke detectors under state fire rules. Those with a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage also need carbon monoxide alarms. Owners must supply light-emitting alarms on request for deaf or hard-of-hearing tenants. Code text: "The rules shall require the installation of smoke detectors in existing single-family rental units and multiple-unit residential buildings." Source: Iowa Code § 10A.518 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/10A.518.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 38

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after." Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) (https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/121/htm_usc50@119-121.zip), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 39

What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute (Iowa Code ch. 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on tenant buyout agreements or buyout disclosures. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 40

What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute (Iowa Code ch. 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply. Source: Iowa Code ch. 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 41

What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

Iowa imposes a 5% state hotel and motel tax on renting lodging; local hotel/motel taxes may add to it. Statute text: "A tax of five percent is imposed upon the sales price for the renting of any lodging if the lodging is located in this state" (Iowa Code § 423A.3). Source: Iowa Code § 423A.3 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/423A.3.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 42

What is the property manager licensing rule in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

In Iowa, renting or leasing real estate for another for compensation is brokerage (§ 543B.3) and requires a real estate license. Statute text: "A person shall not, directly or indirectly, with the intention or upon the promise of receiving any valuable consideration, offer, attempt, agree to perform, or perform any single act as a real estate broker whether as a part of a transaction or as an entire transaction, or represent oneself as a real estate broker, broker associate, or salesperson, without first obtaining a license and otherwise complying with the requirements of this chapter" (Iowa Code §§ 543B.1, 543B.3). Source: Iowa Code §§ 543B.1, 543B.3 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/543B.1.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 43

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

After a foreclosure sale, the buyer can remove an occupant who stays in possession through Iowa's summary forcible entry and detainer (eviction) action. The statute gives no special notice period for tenants of a foreclosed owner. Statute text: "Where the defendant continues in possession after a sale by foreclosure of a mortgage, or on execution, unless the defendant claims by a title paramount to the lien by virtue of which the sale was made, or by title derived from the purchaser at the sale" (Iowa Code § 648.1(4)). Source: Iowa Code § 648.1(4) (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/648.pdf), last checked 2026-10-16.

Iowa landlord-tenant law FAQ