Iowa (IA) law guide
Quick answer
Iowa landlord-tenant law is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 562A. Landlords can charge up to 2 months' rent as a security deposit and must return it within 30 days of move-out. There is no statewide rent control, and state law bans cities from enacting it. Landlords must give 3 days' written notice before starting eviction for unpaid rent.
Security deposit limit
2 months' rent
Deposit return deadline
30 days after move-out
Statewide rent control
None, banned statewide
Nonpayment eviction notice
3 days
Iowa rental market snapshot
Population
3.2 million
Renter households
~29%
Median rent
~$1,050/mo (2BR)
Largest rental markets
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Sioux City, Davenport
Iowa rents remain well below the national average, making it one of the more affordable rental markets in the Midwest. Des Moines is the fastest-growing metro, with 2BR units averaging around $1,090/mo.
Iowa landlords may charge a maximum of 2 months' rent as a security deposit (Iowa Code § 562A.12). There is no minimum deposit requirement.
The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If the landlord misses this deadline, the tenant may sue for twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees.
Iowa has no rent control and state law (Iowa Code § 364.3) prohibits cities and counties from enacting local rent caps. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with 30 days' written notice before the increase takes effect on a month-to-month lease.
Late fees are capped by statute. For monthly rent of $700 or less, the cap is $60/month or $12/day. For rent above $700, the cap is $100/month or $20/day. Landlords cannot raise rent as retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right.
For unpaid rent, the landlord must give the tenant 3 days' written notice to pay or vacate before filing in court (Iowa Code § 562A.27). For a lease violation affecting health or safety, the notice period is 7 days to cure or quit.
After the notice period expires without cure, the landlord files a forcible entry and detainer action in district court. The tenant receives a hearing date before any removal. A sheriff's order is required for physical removal.
Iowa landlords must provide at least 24 hours' advance notice before entering a rental unit for non-emergency purposes such as repairs, inspections, or showings (Iowa Code § 562A.19). Entry during emergencies is permitted without notice.
Landlords are required to keep the property habitable, including working heat, plumbing, hot water, and structural integrity. After a tenant gives written notice of a repair need, the landlord must make repairs within a reasonable time (typically treated as 7 days for essential services). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may have the right to withhold rent or make the repair and deduct the cost.
Iowa law requires landlords to maintain a habitable unit at all times. This means functional heat, running water, weatherproofing, working smoke detectors, and clean common areas. Tenants can send written notice of defects and pursue remedies if the landlord does not respond.
Landlords cannot retaliate against a tenant for reporting code violations, joining a tenant union, or exercising any right under Chapter 562A (Iowa Code § 562A.36). Retaliatory eviction, rent hikes, or service reductions are all prohibited. A presumption of retaliation applies if adverse action follows within 90 days of protected activity.
Iowa's Civil Rights Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, and sexual orientation. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission enforces these protections alongside the federal Fair Housing Act.
Breaking a lease early generally means the tenant remains liable for rent through the end of the term, though the landlord must make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit and mitigate damages. Tenants may terminate early without penalty for active military deployment, domestic violence, or landlord material breach. Small claims court handles disputes up to $6,500.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Iowa Code Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Iowa FAQ
Iowa landlords can charge a maximum of **2 months' rent** as a security deposit. There is no minimum, and the cap applies regardless of the lease term.
A landlord has **30 days** from the date the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address to return the deposit. If they miss the deadline, the tenant can sue for twice the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
Yes. Iowa has no statewide rent control, and state law bans cities from passing local rent caps. The landlord can raise rent by any amount but must give **30 days' written notice** on a month-to-month lease before the increase takes effect.
Iowa landlords must give **at least 24 hours' notice** before entering a rental unit for non-emergency reasons. In a genuine emergency, they may enter immediately without prior notice.
The landlord must first give the tenant a **3-day written notice** to pay the overdue rent or vacate. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a court action. The tenant gets a hearing before any removal, and a sheriff's order is required to physically remove the tenant.
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