Episode 171: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Iowa
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features Iowa. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Iowa Landlord and Tenant Act. Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Iowa Landlord and Tenant Act,
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?,
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental inIowa,
4) Where to get help in your local area in Iowa.
Then I’ll go through what I call my “Bingo Card” of standard items I see most often in tenancy laws in different locations.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for Iowa including:
Tenant rights, duties, and remedies :: Iowa People's Law Library
Landlord and Tenant Law Questions and Answers - Iowa Legal Aid
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Starting with Iowa’s Landlord and Tenant Act
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, I’m focusing on tenancy law in the state of Iowa. Like all of my location-specific episodes, I followed the same four-part framework: What are the basics of the Iowa Landlord and Tenant Act? What makes this location unique? What happens when tenants abandon property? And finally, where can landlords go for help? To make it even easier, I also ran through my “bingo card” of common rules that come up again and again across different jurisdictions.
Deposits, Leases, and Rent Increases
Iowa law sets a cap on security deposits at two months’ rent, and landlords must hold them in a separate, federally insured account. After five years, those deposits begin to earn interest, which may be owed to tenants. Deposits must be returned within 30 days of move-out, provided the landlord has the tenant’s forwarding address. Written leases aren’t required, but as I always say, if it’s not written down, it’s not valid. Rent can be increased at the end of a lease term with 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month tenants, but there’s no restriction on how much rent can be increased.
Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords are required to maintain habitable premises—safe, clean, and fit for living. Tenants, in turn, must pay rent on time, behave reasonably, and keep the property in good condition. Iowa law also defines abusive access and retaliatory conduct. If a landlord enters unlawfully or harasses tenants with excessive requests for entry, tenants can seek damages. Likewise, landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting health or safety issues by raising rent, reducing services, or filing for eviction.
Evictions, Abandonment, and Safety Clauses
Iowa allows landlords to terminate a tenancy just three days after rent goes unpaid, and tenants can be evicted with only a three-day notice if they create a clear and present danger to others within 1,000 feet of the property. Abandoned property rules aren’t clearly spelled out in the law, leaving landlords with a general duty of care but little guidance on value thresholds, storage, or timelines. I advised listeners to contact Legal Aid or the Iowa Bar for clarification if faced with an abandonment situation.
Where to Get Help and Final Thoughts
Resources for Iowa landlords include Iowa Legal Aid, the state’s People’s Law Library, and the Iowa State Bar Association, which offers low-cost consultations. Landlord groups on social media are also a great way to connect with others in your area.
This episode was recorded in Westview Harbour, Powell River, British Columbia, on my boat. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? Join me next time for Episode 172, where we’ll cover tenancy law in the state of Arkansas. I’ll see you there!