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

Security deposit may not exceed two months' rent. (Iowa Code § 562A.12) The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Iowa Code § 562A.12).

Is there a limit on late fees in Iowa?

Late fees are capped at $12 per day and $60 per month where rent is $700 or less, and $20 per day and $100 per month where rent exceeds $700. (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4))

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

Landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Iowa Code § 562A.19)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Iowa Code § 562A.34)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Iowa?

Tenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Iowa Code § 562A.27) The case is filed as a forcible entry and detainer in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Iowa?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Iowa tenancies are governed by the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Iowa with the statutory citations printed in it.

Iowa Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Iowa has to respect the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: a security deposit capped at two months' rent, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and late fees limited to $60/month at rent of $700 or less, $100/month above that. Below is every number that governs a Iowa tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

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Iowa rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Iowa lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Iowa landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Iowa	Citation
Security deposit limit	two months' rentSecurity deposit may not exceed two months' rent.	Iowa Code § 562A.12
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must return the deposit or a written statement of deductions within 30 days after termination.	Iowa Code § 562A.12
Interest on deposits	Not requiredInterest earned during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord.	Iowa Code § 562A.12
Late fee limit	$60/month at rent of $700 or less, $100/month above thatLate fees are capped at $12 per day and $60 per month where rent is $700 or less, and $20 per day and $100 per month where rent exceeds $700.	Iowa Code § 562A.9(4)
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodIowa sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	3 daysTenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	Iowa Code § 562A.27
Time to cure a lease violation	7 daysTenant generally has 7 days to remedy a curable lease violation.	Iowa Code § 562A.27
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Iowa Code § 562A.34
Notice before landlord entry	24 hoursLandlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency.	Iowa Code § 562A.19

Disclosures a Iowa lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in Iowa

Where eviction is filed

District Court, as a forcible entry and detainer.

Governing law

Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, cited from the Iowa Code.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Iowa lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Iowa?: Security deposit may not exceed two months' rent. (Iowa Code § 562A.12) The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Iowa Code § 562A.12).
Is there a limit on late fees in Iowa?: Late fees are capped at $12 per day and $60 per month where rent is $700 or less, and $20 per day and $100 per month where rent exceeds $700. (Iowa Code § 562A.9(4))
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Iowa?: Landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Iowa Code § 562A.19)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Iowa Code § 562A.34)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Iowa?: Tenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Iowa Code § 562A.27) The case is filed as a forcible entry and detainer in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Iowa?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Iowa tenancies are governed by the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Iowa with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Iowa lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Iowa lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Iowa law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Iowa attorney review your lease before you rely on it.