Iowa Residential Lease Agreement

Important Information for Iowa Landlords

Iowa Rental Law Highlights

Security Deposits (Iowa Code § 562A.12)

• Maximum Amount: Two months’ rent (Iowa Code § 562A.12(1))
• Return Timeline: 30 days after tenant vacates (Iowa Code § 562A.12(2))
• Itemized Statement: Required if any deductions are made
• Interest Required: Yes, for leases of 5+ years (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3))
• Move-In Inspection: Landlord must conduct move-in inspection within 7 days (Iowa Code § 562A.12)
• Normal Wear and Tear: Cannot deduct for ordinary deterioration
• Penalties: Actual damages plus $200 if landlord fails to follow rules (Iowa Code § 562A.12(5))

Rent and Rent Increases (Iowa Code § 562A.13, 562A.34)

• Grace Period: No statutory grace period required
• Late Fees: Must be reasonable; typically stated in lease
• Rent Increase Notice: 30 days for month-to-month tenancies (Iowa Code § 562A.34)
• Fixed Term: Cannot increase rent during lease term unless specified
• No Rent Control: Iowa does not have rent control laws

Required Disclosures (Iowa Code § 562A.13, 562A.14)

• Lead paint disclosure (pre-1978 properties) – Federal requirement
• Landlord’s name and address (Iowa Code § 562A.13)
• Person authorized to manage property (Iowa Code § 562A.13)
• Move-in condition report within 7 days (Iowa Code § 562A.12)
• Smoke detector information
• Methamphetamine contamination (if known) (Iowa Code § 562A.34A)

Eviction and Termination (Iowa Code § 562A.27, 562A.34)

• 3-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent (Iowa Code § 562A.27(2))
• 7-Day Notice: For lease violations (Iowa Code § 562A.27(1))
• 30-Day Notice: To terminate month-to-month tenancy (Iowa Code § 562A.34)
• Court Process Required: Must file Forcible Entry and Detainer action
• No Self-Help: Lockouts and utility shutoffs are illegal (Iowa Code § 562A.27A)

Landlord Obligations (Iowa Code § 562A.15)

• Habitability: Must maintain premises in fit and habitable condition (Iowa Code § 562A.15)
• Essential Services: Heat, water, hot water must be functional
• Compliance: Must comply with applicable building and housing codes
• Structural Integrity: Maintain in safe and weathertight condition
• Smoke Detectors: Required in all dwelling units (Iowa Code § 100.18)
• Common Areas: Keep clean and in good repair
• Repairs: Must make necessary repairs within reasonable time (7 days for most issues)

Entry Requirements (Iowa Code § 562A.19)

• Notice Required: 24 hours advance notice required (Iowa Code § 562A.19)
• Reasonable Times: Entry during reasonable hours only (9am-9pm)
• Emergency Exception: May enter without notice in emergency
• Permitted Purposes: Inspection, repairs, showing to buyers/tenants
• Court Order: May enter pursuant to court order

Tenant Rights and Protections

• Quiet Enjoyment: Right to peaceful possession without interference
• Privacy Rights: Right to 24 hours notice before entry
• Security Deposit Protection: Actual damages plus $200 for violations
• Retaliation: Landlord cannot retaliate for complaints (Iowa Code § 562A.36)
• Military Service: SCRA protections for active duty members
• Move-In Report: Right to receive move-in condition report within 7 days

Iowa-Specific Considerations

Security Deposit Maximum and Return (Iowa Code § 562A.12)

• Maximum two months’ rent for security deposit
• 30 days to return deposit after tenant vacates
• Must provide itemized statement if deductions made
• Actual damages plus $200 penalty for violations
• Interest required for leases of 5+ years
• Move-in inspection within 7 days required

Move-In Inspection Requirement (Iowa Code § 562A.12)

• Landlord must conduct move-in inspection within 7 days of occupancy
• Must document condition of property
• Tenant should receive copy of inspection report
• Protects both landlord and tenant regarding damages
• Important for security deposit disputes

24-Hour Entry Notice (Iowa Code § 562A.19)

• Landlord must give 24 hours advance notice before entry
• Entry only during reasonable hours (9am-9pm)
• Notice can be oral or written
• Emergency entry allowed without notice
• For inspections, repairs, or showing property

Eviction Notice Periods (Iowa Code § 562A.27, 562A.34)

• 3 days for nonpayment of rent
• 7 days for lease violations
• 30 days to terminate month-to-month tenancy
• Must follow proper notice procedures
• Forcible Entry and Detainer court proceeding required

Methamphetamine Disclosure (Iowa Code § 562A.34A)

• Landlord must disclose if property was used to manufacture methamphetamine
• Required if landlord has knowledge of contamination
• Disclosure must be in writing
• Protects tenants from health hazards
• Failure to disclose can result in penalties

Landlord Disclosure Requirements (Iowa Code § 562A.13)

• Must disclose landlord’s name and address
• Must disclose person authorized to manage property
• Disclosure must be in writing
• Required for service of legal notices

Retaliation Protection (Iowa Code § 562A.36)

• Landlord cannot retaliate against tenant for:
• Complaining about housing code violations
• Complaining to landlord about repairs
• Joining or organizing tenant organizations
• Exercising legal rights under lease or law
• Presumption of retaliation if action within 1 year of complaint

Smoke Detector Requirements (Iowa Code § 100.18)

• Smoke detectors required in all dwelling units
• Landlord responsible for installation and ensuring functionality at move-in
• Tenant responsible for battery replacement
• Tenant must notify landlord immediately of defects
• Carbon monoxide detectors required in certain circumstances

Fair Housing Requirements

Best Practices for Iowa Landlords

• Use comprehensive written leases for all tenancies
• Conduct move-in inspection within 7 days (required by law)
• Document property condition at move-in and move-out with photos
• Limit security deposits to two months’ rent (required by law)
• Return deposits within 30 days with itemization if deducting (required)
• Disclose landlord’s name, address, and property manager (required)
• Provide 24 hours notice before entering property (required)
• Only enter during reasonable hours 9am-9pm (required)
• Disclose methamphetamine contamination if known (required)
• Keep detailed records of all transactions and communications
• Respond to repair requests within 7 days
• Maintain property to comply with housing codes
• Install and maintain working smoke detectors
• Never use self-help eviction methods
• Follow proper court procedures for evictions (Forcible Entry and Detainer)
• Do not retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights
• Consider landlord insurance with loss of rent coverage

Iowa Climate Considerations

• Four Seasons: Cold winters, hot summers require working HVAC
• Winter Weather: Heavy snow, ice storms require snow removal and heating
• Severe Weather: Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding common
• Humidity: Address moisture and mold concerns
• Insulation: Critical for energy efficiency in variable climate
• Tornado Preparedness: Consider providing shelter information

Des Moines and Urban Area Considerations

• Local Ordinances: Additional requirements in Des Moines and other cities
• Rental Registration: Some cities require landlord registration
• Certificate of Occupancy: May be required in some jurisdictions
• Lead Paint: Prevalent in older housing stock; proper disclosure critical
• Rental Inspections: Some municipalities require periodic inspections

Rural Property Considerations

• Well Water: Landlord typically maintains well system
• Septic Systems: Clarify maintenance responsibilities
• Propane/Heating Oil: Specify who pays and maintains
• Agricultural Land: Include specific provisions if applicable
• Private Roads: Specify maintenance responsibilities

Resources

• Iowa Code – Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)
• Iowa State Bar Association – Real Estate Section
• Iowa Legal Aid
• Iowa Finance Authority
• Local housing authorities
• District courts (for Forcible Entry and Detainer proceedings)
• Iowa Apartment Association