Overview
Leases are the cornerstone of a successful landlord-tenant relationship, providing a legal framework for both parties to enter a harmonious agreement.
In Iowa, residential lease documents—including their structure, nature, and contents—are regulated by Iowa landlord tenant laws. For this reason, it’s imperative to understand the intricacies of the law before constructing a lease.
This guide will walk you through the crucial components of a lease agreement Iowa considers compliant, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions. And to make your journey easier, we’re offering a free Iowa lease template for download!
An Iowa lease is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions governing the rental of a residential property within the state. This lease adheres to Iowa’s landlord-tenant laws, providing a clear framework for both landlords and tenants to follow and fostering a secure and transparent rental environment.
The following components should be included in every Iowa lease agreement. Keep in mind that these components primarily apply to residential leases; an Iowa commercial lease agreement will necessarily have different requirements.
Lease Term
This section specifies the lease’s start and end dates, establishing the duration of the rental agreement.
Rent
Here, you’ll find details regarding the rent rate, due date, and the status of rent control. In Iowa, rent control is banned—no cities or counties in the state can pass laws that regulate or restrict the price of rent (Iowa Code § 364.3(9)). However, Iowa law does require landlords to notify tenants in writing of any rent increases at least 30 days before it is instated. Rent increases should be instated after the expiration date of the original lease, renewal, or extension (Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)).
Late Fees
The penalties for missing rent payments should be clearly stated in the lease, as should any exceptions. In Iowa, late fees are limited to $12 per day if rent is less than $700 per month, or $20 per day if rent is more than $700 (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4)). All Iowa lease agreements should clearly describe the late fee policy (including when and how it will be enforced) so that tenants know exactly what will happen if they are late on rent.
Security Deposit
This section of the lease includes details about the security deposit, including its amount, where it will be stored, and how/when it will be returned.
The maximum or limit for security deposits in Iowa is two months’ rent (Iowa Code § 562A.12(1)).
Iowa also has several laws that govern other aspects of security deposits. For example, security deposits in Iowa must be kept in a separate bank account, savings and loan association, or credit union insured by a federal agency, and any interest accrued on that deposit in an interest-bearing account must be paid to tenants after the first five years of the tenancy (Iowa Code § 562.12(2)). When a tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned to the tenant within 30 days.
All Iowa rental agreements should include a careful description of the landlord’s security deposit policy, including the amount of the deposit, how/when it will be returned, and the conditions under which funds may be withheld from it.
Required Disclosures
This section encompasses crucial required disclosures, which are information that must be disclosed to the tenant in the lease before they agree to rent the property. Required disclosures must be included in a lease agreement Iowa considers compliant, or else provided in a separate written notice to the tenant.
In Iowa, the required disclosures are:
- Lead-based paint – Landlords in all 50 states must disclose lead-based paint hazards in rental agreements for most properties built before 1978.
- Landlord/agent identification — Landlords in Iowa must disclose the name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and receive notices.
- Utility billing – Iowa landlords must disclose utility rates, charges, and services.
- Comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability information — Landlords in Iowa must disclose whether the property is listed in the comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability information system maintained by the EPA.
Landlord Right to Entry
In Iowa, there are specific laws governing when a landlord can enter a rental property. In Iowa, landlords are required to give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering an occupied unit for a non-emergency reason (Iowa Code § 562A.19(3)). Additionally, Iowa landlords can only enter at reasonable times (usually defined as daylight or business hours). Be sure to include the landlord’s right of entry in every Iowa rental lease agreement.
Repairs & Maintenance
The lease outlines how and when tenants should submit maintenance requests and clarifies the process for addressing necessary repairs. Every Iowa residential lease agreement should specify which maintenance responsibilities are the landlord’s and which are the tenant’s.
Lease Termination/Renewal Procedures
This section details the procedures for early lease termination and breaking the lease, including eviction processes. Specifically, the lease should clearly state how many days’ notice the tenant needs to provide the landlord to announce their intent to either renew or terminate the lease.
An Iowa residential lease agreement should also clearly describe what happens if the tenant breaks the lease. Before filing for eviction in Iowa, landlords must send eviction notices of specified lengths: a three-day notice to pay or quit for nonpayment of rent, a seven-day notice to cure or quit for lease violations, or a three-day unconditional notice to quit for endangering the health or safety of others. These notice periods should be specified to the tenant so that both parties are clear on what will happen if the tenant fails to uphold the lease agreement.
Joint and Severability Clause
This clause is for leases with multiple roommates and explains the legal consequences if one party fails to fulfill their obligations. It ensures that the entire lease isn’t invalidated due to one roommate’s breach.
Signatures
Both the landlord and tenant will sign the Iowa residential lease agreement either on paper or electronically, ensuring a secure and convenient process.
Iowa Lease Agreement Download
To make your leasing journey simpler, we offer a free, downloadable Iowa lease agreement. This template is tailored to meet the specific requirements of Iowa state law, making it a valuable tool for landlords and tenants.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of an Iowa residential lease agreement is vital for a smooth and legal tenancy. We hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of the components of an Iowa residential lease agreement. To get started on the right foot, download our free Iowa lease template and ensure a transparent, lawful, and satisfying rental experience.
