Iowa landlord-tenant relationships are governed by the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, found in Chapter 562A of the Iowa Code. This legislation outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, including rules for rental agreements, security deposits, property maintenance, rent payments, and the eviction process. It ensures fair, safe, and legal rental practices across the state.
Keep in mind that these laws can change, and some local ordinances may introduce additional regulations. This article offers a general overview of Iowa’s landlord-tenant laws, but it is not exhaustive. Be sure to consult the Iowa Code Chapter 562A directly or speak with an attorney for legal guidance.
Disclaimer: Innago does not provide legal advice. The content and materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and may not be the most up-to-date information.
Quick Facts
Required Disclosures
Lead-based paint Landlord/agent ID Utility billing Comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability information
Rent and Fees
Application Fees: Permitted Rent Control: Banned Late Fee Limit: $12 or $20 per day Grace Period Minimum: None
Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants in Iowa
In Iowa, the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants are defined by the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified in Iowa Code Chapter 562A. This legislation establishes the legal framework for rental agreements, outlining the obligations of both parties to promote fair and safe rental practices.
Below is a brief overview of the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in Iowa:
Landlords in Iowa have the right to:
Collect rent paymentsas stipulated in the rental agreement.
Enter the rental unit for inspections, repairs, or showings, provided they give at least 24 hours’ notice, except in emergencies.
Initiate eviction proceedings for valid reasons, such as non-payment of rent or lease violations, following the legal process.
Set reasonable rules and terms in the lease agreement, such as policies on pets, subleasing, and noise, so long as they do not conflict with state or federal law.
Landlords in Iowa are responsible for:
Complying with applicable building and housing codes that materially affect health and safety.
In Iowa, landlords are legally required to provide tenants with specific disclosures in compliance with both federal and state laws. These disclosures inform tenants about potential health hazards, the identities of responsible parties, and the terms of their rental agreements.
Below is a summary of the key disclosures that Iowa landlords are required to provide to tenants:
Lead-based paint (Title X, Section 1018). Landlords in all 50 states must include information about lead-based paint hazards in the rental agreements for most properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” and disclose any known lead hazards in the property. These obligations were established by Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
Landlord/Agent Identification (Iowa Code § 562A.13(1)). Landlords must disclose in writing the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and/or act on behalf of the owner for the purpose of receiving notices.
Utility Billing (Iowa Code § 562A.13(4)). An Iowa lease agreement must disclose and fully explain the utility rates, charges, and services to a prospective tenant before they sign a lease, unless the tenant is directly responsible for paying the utility company.
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information (Iowa Code § 562A.13(6)). Before entering into a rental agreement with any tenant, landlords in Iowa must disclose if the property to be rented is listed in the comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability information system maintained by the federal environmental protection agency (EPA).
Iowa landlord-tenant laws offer flexibility in how landlords charge and collect rent, but there are still rules that govern rent increases, late fees, and tenant remedies. While the state prohibits rent control and does not mandate a grace period, landlords must follow notice requirements and statutory fee limits. These regulations are outlined in the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law and are designed to promote fair rental practices and protect both parties from legal disputes.
Rent Payments
Rent Due Date: Unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement, rent in Iowa is due at the dwelling unit at the beginning of each month (Iowa Code § 562A.9(3)).
Rent Increases: Rent control is banned in Iowa (Iowa Code § 364.3(9)). Landlords must also notify tenants in writing of any rent increase at least 30 days before it is instated. Rent increases may not be instated any sooner than the expiration date of the original lease, renewal, or extension (Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)).
Grace Period: There is no mandatory grace period in Iowa.
Fees
Late Fees: $12 per day if rent is less than $700 per month; $20 per day if rent exceeds $700 per month (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4)).
Application Fees: Rental application fees are not regulated in Iowa.
NSF/Bounced Check Fee Maximum: If the tenant’s rent check bounces, the landlord may charge a fee of $25 (Iowa Admin. Code § 481-30.6).
Tenant Remedies
Withholding Rent/Repair and Deduct: If the landlord defaults on their obligations in a way that materially affects the tenant’s health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice to the landlord. The notice should specify the noncompliance and state that the lease will terminate in seven days if the breach is not remedied. The tenant may also recover damages, obtain injunctive relief, and recover attorney fees, except if the landlord’s noncompliance was due to circumstances reasonably beyond the landlord’s control (Iowa Code § 562A.21).
Iowa Security Deposits
Security deposits in Iowa are regulated under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law and serve to protect landlords from unpaid rent, damages, or other lease violations. While Iowa allows landlords to collect up to two months’ rent as a deposit, they must follow specific requirements regarding storage, interest payments, and timelines for returning funds. Understanding these rules helps both landlords and tenants avoid potential legal disputes.
Below is an overview of Iowa’s security deposit rules:
Interest: When security deposits are kept in interest-bearing accounts, the landlord must pay tenants the interest earned after the first five years of the tenancy (Iowa Code § 562.12(2)).
Deposit Location: Security deposits must be kept in a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union insured by an agency of the federal government. Deposits must be kept in separate bank accounts and not commingled with personal funds (Iowa Code § 562.12(2)).
Withholding: Landlords may withhold funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent/bills to restore the dwelling unit to its original condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), or to recover certain eviction or lease breach expenses. The landlord must also provide a written statement itemizing the specific reasons for withholding any portion of the deposit (Iowa Code § 562A.12).
Iowa Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections
Landlords in Iowa must comply with both federal and state fair housing laws when screening prospective tenants. These laws are designed to prevent discrimination and ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities regardless of personal background or characteristics. From listing a rental to approving an application, landlords may not base decisions on a tenant’s membership in a protected class.
The sections below outline what constitutes housing discrimination and detail the protected classes recognized under federal and Iowa state law.
What actions are considered housing discrimination?
Tenants in Iowa are protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act (Title 24 USC § 3601-3607) and the Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code § 216.8). Discrimination occurs when a landlord considers protected characteristics in decisions related to:
Accepting or rejecting rental applications
Advertising rental properties
Setting rent prices or lease terms
Requesting deposits or fees
Providing or delaying maintenance and repairs
Enforcing rules unequally
Choosing who to evict or not renew leases for
Offering promotions or rent incentives
What are the protected classes in Iowa?
Under federal law, it is illegal to discriminate in housing based on:
Race
Color
Religion
Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
Public assistance or housing assistance status (e.g., Section 8)
These protections apply at every stage of the rental process. Violations can lead to enforcement actions from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) or result in civil penalties and lawsuits.
Use of Credit Reports
Iowa landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 USC § 1681), which outlines the responsibilities of landlords to protect tenant credit information. According to the Act, landlords may not share tenant credit information with anyone without a legal reason to view it. They must also investigate disputed information, dispose of credit reports after use in tenant screening, and notify applicants when their credit score or history was the reason for their denial.
Use of Criminal Histories
Criminal background checks may be used during tenant screening in Iowa. Iowa landlords should follow HUD recommendations for using criminal background checks fairly. This includes avoiding blanket policies for denying applicants with criminal convictions, assessing applicants and their criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, and only denying an applicant when they demonstrate a risk to the safety of other residents or the property.
Before entering a rental unit, Iowa landlords must understand the legal requirements that protect a tenant’s right to privacy. State law outlines when a landlord may enter a unit, how much notice is required, and the specific reasons entry is permitted.
Below is an overview of Iowa’s rules for landlord entry, including notice requirements and exceptions for emergencies:
Permitted Times: Landlords in Iowa may only enter at reasonable times (Iowa Code § 562A.19(3)).
Emergency Entry: In case of an emergency, the landlord may enter without prior notice or consent (Iowa Code § 562A.19(2)).
Iowa Eviction Notices
Evictions are complex legal processes often poorly understood by both parties. Before pursuing eviction in Iowa, consider hiring an experienced real estate attorney and be sure to review the Iowa eviction process in more detail.
Notice for Repeat Lease Violation: 7 days to quit. How many lease violations before eviction in Iowa depends on how frequently they occurred—if substantially the same violation recurs within six months of a first violation that was cured, the landlord may send a 7-day notice to quit without opportunity to cure (Iowa Code § 562A.27(1)).
Unconditional Notice to Quit: 3 days to quit. According to Iowa eviction laws, this notice applies when the tenant has created a threat that constitutes a clear and present danger to the health or safety of other tenants, the landlord, or other people near the landlord’s property (Iowa Code § 562A.27A).
Squatters are individuals who occupy a property without legal permission from the owner and without a valid lease. In Iowa, as in most states, removing a squatter requires going through the formal eviction process. Landlords cannot use self-help measures such as changing locks, cutting off utilities, or forcibly removing a squatter without a court order.
Squatters in Iowa may attempt to gain legal ownership of a property through adverse possession, but this is only possible under very strict conditions. According to Iowa Code § 560.1 and § 614.17A, a squatter must:
Openly and continuously occupy the property for at least 10 years.
Possess the property in a hostile and exclusive manner without the owner’s permission.
Pay property taxes during the possession period if claiming with "color of title" (a written claim to ownership, even if defective).
These cases are rare and must be resolved through the court system. Property owners are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified Iowa real estate attorney and follow legal eviction procedures if a squatter is discovered.
In Iowa, it is illegal for a landlord to impose penalties on a tenant who exercises their right to summon law enforcement assistance or other emergency assistance on behalf of a victim of abuse, crime, or another emergency (Iowa Code § 562A.27B(1)).
Conclusion
Iowa’s landlord-tenant laws support both landlord rights and tenant protections. While the state offers flexibility in lease terms and fees, it also enforces clear rules on disclosures, security deposits, maintenance, and eviction. To stay compliant and avoid disputes, landlords and tenants should regularly review Iowa Code Chapter 562A.
FAQs
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Iowa?
When must a landlord return the security deposit in Iowa?
Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, along with a written itemization of any deductions (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3a)).
Can a landlord charge late fees in Iowa?
Yes. Late fees are capped at $12 per day if monthly rent is under $700, or $20 per day if rent exceeds $700 (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4)).
Is there a grace period for rent payments in Iowa?
No. Iowa law does not require a grace period, but the lease agreement may include one.
Can tenants withhold rent for repairs in Iowa?
Tenants may seek remedies if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs that affect health or safety. This can include terminating the lease or recovering damages, but tenants must first provide written notice and allow seven days for the landlord to remedy the issue (Iowa Code § 562A.21).
My landlord stated this year I am responsible for the air conditioner. I either buy one myself or buy one his for $100. I have asthmas so it’s essential for me to have an air conditioner. Do you know what I need to do.
What is the exact statue in Iowa Tenent Landlord Law that addresses deep freezers and miniature refrigerators that have been tenants Appartments for an extended period of time.
My landlord stated this year I am responsible for the air conditioner. I either buy one myself or buy one his for $100. I have asthmas so it’s essential for me to have an air conditioner. Do you know what I need to do.
What is the exact statue in Iowa Tenent Landlord Law that addresses deep freezers and miniature refrigerators that have been tenants Appartments for an extended period of time.