Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Iowa is one of the few states that caps late fees with a dollar figure tied to the rent: $12 a day up to $60 a month when rent is $700 or less, and $20 a day up to $100 above that (Iowa Code § 562A.9). Deposits are limited to two months’ rent and due back within 30 days.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Iowa?
An Iowa landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address to return the deposit with written reasons for any amount kept.
| Maximum Deposit | Two months’ rent |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | No (interest earned in the first five years belongs to the landlord) |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | Iowa Code § 562A.12 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Iowa?
Iowa does not cap rent increases; a month-to-month tenant must get written notice at least 30 days before the new rent takes effect.
| Late Fee Limit | $12/day up to $60/month (rent ≤ $700); $20/day up to $100/month (rent > $700) |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | Iowa Code § 562A.9 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Iowa
An Iowa eviction for unpaid rent begins with a 3-day notice to pay; a clear and present danger allows a 3-day notice with no chance to cure.
| Non-Payment Notice | 3 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 7 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days for a clear and present danger |
| Statute Reference | Iowa Code §§ 562A.27, 562A.27A, 562A.34 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Iowa?
No. Iowa requires at least 24 hours’ notice and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 24 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | Iowa Code § 562A.19 |
What Must a Iowa Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the manager and the owner or agent for notices (Iowa Code § 562A.13)
- Shared utility billing arrangements (Iowa Code § 562A.13)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Iowa?
Iowa landlords must keep the unit fit and habitable and maintain supplied systems; if essential services such as heat or water fail, a tenant can obtain them and deduct the cost.
What Iowa landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety
- • Keep supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances in working order
- • Supply running water, reasonable hot water and heat
What a Iowa tenant can do
- • Terminate after 7 days’ written notice if a material breach is not remedied
- • Procure essential services and deduct the reasonable cost
| Repair & Deduct | Essential services only |
| Statute Reference | Iowa Code §§ 562A.15, 562A.21, 562A.23 |