At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 2 months' rent | Applies to all residential rental properties |
| Rent control? | No | No statewide or local rent control |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 12 months | Month-to-month can be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | 24 hours | Required for non-emergency entry |
Security Deposits
Iowa limits security deposits to a maximum of two months' rent. This applies to all residential rental properties in the state.
Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit. The return must include an itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 30 days, the landlord may be liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Eviction Procedures
Iowa requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 3-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent
- 7-Day Notice: For lease violations (tenant must cure the violation within the notice period)
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause
- 3-Day Unconditional Quit: For repeat violations of the same lease term within six months
Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law provides a comprehensive framework for the eviction process, requiring court proceedings before a tenant can be removed.
Rent Control
Iowa does not have any form of rent control at the state or local level. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Lease Agreements
Iowa follows the Statute of Frauds, requiring leases for longer than 12 months to be in writing. Month-to-month tenancies may be established through oral agreements. Written leases are strongly recommended to clearly outline the rights and obligations of both parties.
Required Disclosures
Iowa landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties, federal requirement)
- Comprehensive environmental response: Disclosure of any known environmental hazards
- Flooding history: If the property has been subject to flooding
- Manager or agent identity: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and receive notices
- Utilities: Disclosure of how utilities are metered and billed
Tenant Rights
Iowa provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with building and housing codes and in a condition fit for habitation, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who report code violations, join tenant organizations, or exercise their legal rights
- Discrimination protection: The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, and familial status
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a tenant's unit for non-emergency purposes
- Repair and deduct: Tenants may arrange for repairs and deduct the cost from rent if the landlord fails to maintain essential services after proper notice
- Essential services: Landlords may not willfully interrupt essential services such as water, heat, or electricity