Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law
Know your rights as a renter in Iowa. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Iowa law.
Legal basis: Iowa landlord-tenant law — Iowa Code
30
Days to Return Deposit
2 months' rent
Max Deposit
24h
Entry Notice
Required
Deposit Escrow
What Iowa law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
2 months' rent
Return Deadline
30 daysafter the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Iowa law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Failure to provide the required written statement within 30 days forfeits all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit (Iowa Code § 562A.12(4)); bad-faith retention subjects the landlord to punitive damages not to exceed twice the monthly rental payment, in addition to actual damages (§ 562A.12(7)).
Interest on your deposit is not required
Interest-bearing accounts are permitted but not required (Iowa Code 562A.12(2)). Any interest earned on a rental deposit during the first 5 years of a tenancy is the landlord's property; interest earned after the first 5 years of the same tenancy accrues to the tenant.
Grace period
No mandatory grace period
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
24 hours
In Iowa, your landlord must give this notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
30 days notice
Legal basis: Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)
7 days after written notice
Legal basis: Iowa Code §§ 562A.15, 562A.21, 562A.23, 562A.27
Protected
Legal basis: Iowa Code § 562A.36
No statewide early-exit law
Legal basis: No state statute
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: Iowa Code § 562A.26
Important facts about Iowa rental law
Iowa limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.
Iowa landlords must return the deposit, or send a written statement of why they are keeping part of it, within 30 days after the tenancy ends and they have your mailing address.
Iowa landlords must pay interest on deposits held over 5 years.
An Iowa landlord who misses the 30-day written-statement deadline loses the right to keep any of the deposit, and bad-faith retention can bring punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent.
Something else? Contact our team
In Iowa, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent.
Iowa landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after you move out (after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address).
In Iowa, landlords must give 24 hours' notice before entering your rental unit.
Late fees in Iowa: Rent ≤$700: $12/day max $60 total. Rent >$700: $20/day max $100 total. No mandatory grace period.
30 days notice. 30 days' written notice before a rent increase (Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)). An increase cannot take effect before your lease, or its renewal, ends (Iowa Code § 562A.13(5)). No statewide cap, and cities and counties may not limit rent (Iowa Code §§ 364.3(9), 331.304(10)). Source: Iowa Code § 562A.13(5).
7 days after written notice. Landlord must make all repairs needed to keep the home fit and habitable and supply running water, hot water and reasonable heat (Iowa Code § 562A.15). Give written notice; if not fixed within 7 days, the lease can end on the date in your notice (Iowa Code § 562A.21(1)). If heat, running water, hot water or essential services are not supplied, after written notice you may buy them and deduct the reasonable cost from rent (Iowa Code § 562A.23). For other problems, tell the landlord at least 7 days before rent is due that you will fix it at the landlord's expense; if the repair costs no more than one month's rent and you have it done in good faith before getting a written notice ending your lease for unpaid rent, the cost comes off the rent the landlord can claim, and it is a defense if the landlord sues to evict you (Iowa Code § 562A.27(4)). You may also sue for damages and a court order (Iowa Code § 562A.21(2)). Source: Iowa Code §§ 562A.15, 562A.21, 562A.23, 562A.27.
Protected. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.36.
No statewide early-exit law. Iowa has no statewide law that lets a domestic violence victim end a lease early. A landlord may not limit or penalize you for calling police or emergency help for a victim of abuse or crime (Iowa Code § 562A.27B). A court protection order may be able to order the abuser out of the home. If your home is federally assisted (public housing or a voucher), the federal Violence Against Women Act gives separate protections. A domestic violence hotline (1-800-799-7233) or legal aid can help you plan a safe move. Source: No state statute.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Utility shutoffs prohibited. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.26.
Iowa tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against Iowa law.
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