MakeLease is in early access — early users help shape what we build next.

    Iowa Residential Lease Agreement

    Iowa limits security deposits to 2 months' rent, and requires its return within 30 days after the lease ends.

    Create a Iowa leaseFree to create, no card needed; an account is needed to save or e-sign.

    MakeLease generates a customizable lease; add these Iowa disclosures and terms.

    Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Iowa lease rules at a glance

    Key Iowa rules for a residential lease, with the statute behind each
    RuleWhat the law says
    Security deposit cap2 months' rentIowa Code § 562A.12(1)
    Deposit return deadline30 days after the lease endsIowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)
    Late feesRent ≤ $700/month: max $12 per day and $60 per month; rent > $700/month: max $20 per day and $100 per month · grace period: no state grace periodIowa Code § 562A.9(4), Iowa Code § 562A.9(3), (4)
    Landlord entry notice24 hours' noticeIowa Code § 562A.19
    Ending a month-to-month lease30 days (either side)Iowa Code § 562A.34
    Rent increase notice30 days (The increase may not take effect before the original rental agreement (or any renewal or extension) expires)Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)
    Rent controlNone; cities barred from adopting itIowa Code § 364.3(9)
    Eviction notice for unpaid rent3 days (3-day notice to pay rent or quit)Iowa Code § 562A.27(2)

    Iowa lease disclosures checklist

    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 currentIowa 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 directlyIowa Code § 562A.13(4)
    • Whether the property is listed in the EPA's CERCLIS (Superfund) information system — In writing before the start of the tenancyIowa Code § 562A.13(6)

    MakeLease generates a customizable lease; add these Iowa disclosures and terms.

    Before you sign in Iowa

    If a deposit is withheld wrongly
    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))
    Deductions from the deposit
    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 the deposit
    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))
    Rent control and increases
    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))

    No statewide rent control; Iowa cities may not adopt or enforce any limit on the rent charged for private residential or commercial property, except for property in which the city has an interest (Iowa Code § 364.3(9)).

    If rent goes unpaid
    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))

    Iowa lease FAQs

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

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

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

    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)).

    Is there a limit on late fees in Iowa?

    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 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)).

    How much notice must a Iowa landlord give before entering a rental?

    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)).

    How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa?

    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)).

    What disclosures does a Iowa lease need?

    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)). The list covers Lead-based paint disclosure, lead warning statement and EPA pamphlet, Name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service of process and notices, Full explanation of utility rates, charges and services and Whether the property is listed in the EPA's CERCLIS (Superfund) information system.

    More on renting in Iowa

    Start your Iowa lease

    MakeLease generates a customizable lease; add these Iowa disclosures and terms.

    Create a Iowa lease

    Report an outdated or wrong rule