Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law

Maximum deposit

Landlords may not demand or receive a security deposit greater than two months' rent (Iowa Code § 562A.12(1)). (Iowa Code § 562A.12(1))

Return deadline

Landlords must return the deposit or send a written statement of reasons for withholding within 30 days after the tenancy ends and they receive the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)). (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a))

Itemized deductions

A landlord withholding any of the deposit must give a written statement of the specific reasons, and for repairs must specify the nature of the damage (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)). (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a))

Interest on deposits

Landlords need not pay interest earned during the first five years of a tenancy, which belongs to the landlord, but must keep deposits in a federally insured account separate from personal funds (Iowa Code § 562A.12(2)). (Iowa Code § 562A.12(2))

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who misses the 30-day statement forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit, and bad-faith retention exposes the landlord to punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent plus actual damages (Iowa Code § 562A.12(4), (7)). (Iowa Code § 562A.12(4), (7), (8))

Late-fee limit

Late fees may not exceed $12 per day or $60 per month when rent is $700 or less, or $20 per day or $100 per month when rent is more than $700 (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4)). (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4))

Grace period

Iowa law sets no grace period before a late fee may be charged; rent is due when the rental agreement says (Iowa Code § 562A.9(3), (4)). (Iowa Code § 562A.9(3), (4))

Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, give at least 24 hours' notice before entering and enter only at reasonable times (Iowa Code § 562A.19(3)). (Iowa Code § 562A.19)

Either landlord or tenant may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice (Iowa Code § 562A.34(2)). (Iowa Code § 562A.34)

Each tenant must get written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before it takes effect, and it cannot take effect before the current lease term ends (Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)). (Iowa Code § 562A.13(5))

Iowa has no rent control, and state law bars cities from limiting the rent charged for private residential property (Iowa Code § 364.3(9)). (Iowa Code § 364.3(9))

Before the tenancy starts, give the tenant in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service and notices, explain utility rates and charges not paid directly to the utility, and disclose in writing if the property is on the federal EPA CERCLIS (Superfund) list (Iowa Code § 562A.13(1), (4), (6)). (Iowa Code § 562A.13, 40 CFR 745.107)

• Lead-based paint disclosure, lead warning statement and EPA pamphlet (Housing built before 1978 (unless exempt under 40 CFR 745.101)) — 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR Part 745 Subpart F (§ 745.107)
• Name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service of process and notices (In writing at or before the start of the tenancy; keep current) — Iowa Code § 562A.13(1)-(2)
• Full explanation of utility rates, charges and services (Before the rental agreement is signed, unless the tenant pays the utility directly) — Iowa Code § 562A.13(4)
• Whether the property is listed in the EPA's CERCLIS (Superfund) information system (In writing before the start of the tenancy) — Iowa Code § 562A.13(6)

Unpaid rent

If rent is unpaid when due, serve a written notice of nonpayment stating the landlord will end the rental agreement unless rent is paid within three days, and the landlord may terminate if it is not paid (Iowa Code § 562A.27(2)). (Iowa Code § 562A.27(2))

Lease violations

For a material lease violation, give written notice describing the breach and stating the agreement ends no sooner than seven days after receipt unless the tenant fixes it; a substantially similar breach within six months allows a 7-day termination notice without a cure (Iowa Code § 562A.27(1)). (Iowa Code § 562A.27(1))