Iowa
Iowa Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026): Deposits, Notice, and Tenant Rights
Iowa landlords may collect a security deposit of up to two months' rent and must return it within 30 days of the tenancy ending. Landlords are required to give 24 hours' notice before entering a rental unit except in genuine emergencies.
Security deposits in Iowa
Iowa law caps the security deposit at two months' rent (Iowa Code section 562A.12). When the tenancy ends, a landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send a written, itemized statement explaining any deductions. Allowable deductions include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs when a unit is left in materially worse condition than at move-in. Normal wear, such as small nail holes or carpet wear from daily use, cannot be withheld.
A landlord who fails to provide that written statement within 30 days forfeits all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit (Iowa Code 562A.12(4)). If the landlord retains the deposit in bad faith, the tenant may also recover punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rental payment, in addition to actual damages (Iowa Code 562A.12(7)). In an action over the deposit, the burden of proving the reason for withholding is on the landlord, and the court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party (Iowa Code 562A.12(3), 562A.12(8)).
Iowa does require landlords to keep deposit money separate from their own. Under Iowa Code 562A.12(2), rental deposits must be held in a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union insured by a federal agency, and they must not be commingled with the landlord's personal funds. The deposit may be held in a trust account, and that account may be interest-bearing, but an interest-bearing account is not required. Any interest earned during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord.
| Rule | Iowa requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | 2 months' rent |
| Return deadline | 30 days |
| Separate account required | Yes; federally insured bank, savings and loan, or credit union, not commingled with the landlord's own funds |
| Interest required | No; interest earned in the first five years belongs to the landlord |
When can a landlord enter? Notice rules
Iowa landlords must give at least 24 hours' written or oral notice before entering a rental unit (Iowa Code 562A.19). Entry is permitted only at reasonable times, generally understood as normal daytime and early evening hours. If a landlord makes an unlawful entry, makes a lawful entry in an unreasonable manner, or makes repeated demands for entry that have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, Iowa Code 562A.35(2) lets the tenant seek an injunction to stop the conduct or terminate the rental agreement. In either case the tenant may recover actual damages of not less than one month's rent, plus reasonable attorney fees. A single unlawful entry is enough to trigger that remedy; the tenant does not have to show a pattern.
The 24-hour notice rule does not apply in genuine emergencies, such as a burst pipe or a fire. In those situations a landlord may enter immediately to protect the property or the tenant's safety. Outside of emergencies, the landlord must respect the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment of the premises.
Ending a lease: notice to vacate
To end a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa, either the landlord or the tenant must give at least 30 days' written notice before the next rent-due date (Iowa Code 562A.34). The notice must be received in time for the 30 days to run before the start of the next rental period.
For nonpayment of rent or other lease violations, the landlord follows a different process. A landlord must first serve a 3-day notice to pay or vacate for unpaid rent, or a 7-day notice to cure or vacate for other lease violations, before filing for eviction in court. You can generate a compliant Iowa eviction notice at Iowa Eviction Notice or find general guidance at the Eviction Notice hub.
Preparing an Iowa notice to vacate
For a 3-day or 7-day eviction notice, the free Iowa eviction notice generator linked above produces the notice and downloads it as a PDF. The 30-day written notice under Iowa Code 562A.34 needs no special software, though PDFelement is optional paid software if you want to convert your draft to PDF, edit it, or e-sign it. It does not make the notice valid by itself, and the notice still has to arrive in time for the 30 days to run before the next rental period.
See What PDFelement DoesAffiliate disclosure: if you sign up through this link we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Repairs and the warranty of habitability
Iowa recognizes an implied warranty of habitability under Iowa Code chapter 562A. A landlord must maintain the unit in a condition that is safe and fit for human habitation, including functional heat, plumbing, hot water, and structural integrity. Tenant responsibilities include keeping the unit clean and disposing of trash properly.
If a landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply running water, hot water, heat, or other essential services, the tenant may give written notice specifying the breach and then choose one of the three remedies in Iowa Code 562A.23(1): buy reasonable amounts of those services during the landlord's noncompliance and deduct their actual and reasonable cost from the rent, recover damages based on the reduced fair rental value of the unit, or recover rent already paid for the noncompliance period on a pro rata basis. The statute sets no dollar ceiling and no one-month-of-rent ceiling on the deduction; the limit is that the cost be actual and reasonable. These rights do not arise until the tenant has given the landlord notice, and a tenant who proceeds under 562A.23 may not also proceed under Iowa Code 562A.21 for that same breach.
Rent, late fees, and rent control
Iowa sets specific caps on late fees based on the monthly rent amount. For rent up to $700 per month, a landlord may charge no more than $12 per day, up to a maximum of $60 per month. For rent above $700 per month, the cap rises to $20 per day, up to a maximum of $100 per month (Iowa Code 562A.9). A landlord must state the late-fee amount in the lease; fees not disclosed in writing are not enforceable.
Iowa does not require landlords to give advance notice before raising rent at lease renewal, though they must comply with any notice period in the lease itself. Iowa preempts local rent control by state law, meaning no city or county may enact rent stabilization or rent control ordinances. Tenants should review lease terms carefully before signing to understand any rent-increase provisions.
If you have a landlord-tenant dispute in Iowa
Iowa landlord-tenant disputes are governed primarily by Iowa Code chapter 562A, but local ordinances in cities like Des Moines or Iowa City may add requirements. If a dispute arises, start by documenting everything in writing. Send all communications (repair requests, complaints, notices) by email or certified mail so there is a dated record.
For deposit disputes, Iowa small claims court handles claims up to $6,500. Filing fees are modest and attorneys are not required. Iowa Legal Aid (iowalegalaid.org) offers free assistance to income-qualifying tenants. The Iowa Attorney General's consumer protection division handles complaints about landlords who repeatedly violate the law.
If a landlord violates the habitability rules, send written notice specifying the problem and giving a reasonable deadline. If the landlord fails to act, you may use the repair-and-deduct remedy, withhold rent into escrow, or seek a court order. Consulting a local attorney before withholding rent is advisable to ensure the proper procedures are followed. Iowa also has resources through Iowa State University Extension for tenants in university cities.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules vary by state and city and change, and some cities add their own ordinances. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or your state housing agency.
Related: Landlord-Tenant Laws by State | Iowa Eviction Notice Generator | Iowa Squatters Rights
More Iowa Laws
- Iowa Property Records
- Iowa Restraining Order Laws
- Iowa Squatters Rights Laws
- Iowa Unclaimed Property
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a landlord have to return my deposit in Iowa?
Iowa landlords have 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the security deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions. A landlord who misses that deadline forfeits all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit (Iowa Code 562A.12(4)). If the landlord retained the deposit in bad faith, the tenant may also recover punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rental payment on top of actual damages (Iowa Code 562A.12(7)).
What is the maximum security deposit in Iowa?
Iowa caps the security deposit at two months' rent (Iowa Code 562A.12). A landlord cannot legally collect more than that amount, regardless of the tenant's credit history or the type of unit.
How much notice must a landlord give to enter in Iowa?
Iowa landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering a rental unit (Iowa Code 562A.19). Entry must also occur at a reasonable time. Emergency entry is permitted without notice to address immediate threats to health or safety.
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Iowa?
Either the landlord or the tenant must give 30 days' written notice before the next rent-due date to end a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa (Iowa Code 562A.34).
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Iowa?
Iowa Code 562A.23 covers essential services. If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply running water, hot water, or heat, you may give written notice and then buy reasonable amounts of those services yourself and deduct their actual and reasonable cost from the rent. The statute sets no one-month-of-rent cap on that deduction. Instead of deducting, you may claim the reduced fair rental value of the unit or recover rent already paid for that period on a pro rata basis. Consult an attorney before withholding rent.
Can a landlord raise rent in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa does not require advance notice before raising rent at renewal and does not allow local rent control (state preemption). A landlord must comply with any notice period stated in the lease. Rent may not be increased mid-lease unless the lease specifically allows it.
What are the late-fee limits in Iowa?
Iowa caps late fees at $12 per day or $60 per month for rent of $700 or less, and at $20 per day or $100 per month for rent above $700 (Iowa Code 562A.9). The amount must be disclosed in the lease.
Updates
Corrected the Iowa security-deposit and repair remedies against the statutory text: deposit damages now cite Iowa Code 562A.12(4) and (7) rather than the wrong subsection, the invented one-month-rent cap on deducting for essential services was removed, the mandatory requirement that landlords hold deposits in a separate federally insured account was added, and the unauthorized-entry remedy now states the one-month-rent damages floor and attorney fees under 562A.35(2).
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Iowa Code, Chapter 562A: UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT LAW
§ 562A.12Rental deposits.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. A landlord shall not demand or receive as a security deposit an amount or value in excess of two months’ rent. 2. All rental deposits shall be held by the landlord for the tenant, who is a party to the agreement, in a bank or savings and loan association or credit union which is insured by an agency of the federal government. Rental deposits shall not be commingled with the personal funds of the landlord. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 543B, all rental deposits may be held in a trust account, which may be a common trust account and which may be an interest-bearing account. Any interest earned on a rental deposit during the first five years of a tenancy shall be the property of the landlord. 3. a. A landlord shall, within thirty days from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions, return the rental deposit to the tenant or furnish to the tenant a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding of the rental deposit or any portion thereof.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-05 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 21 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Elyse De Stefano v. Apts. Downtown, Inc. (Supreme Court of Iowa 2016)“…280.00 1This opinion follows Iowa Code section 562A.12(3) in referring to this as a “rental de…”
- Umeka Lewis v. John J. Jaeger, Robert E. Boge, and the City of Dubuque (Supreme Court of Iowa 2012, 818 N.W.2d 165)“…apartment. _______________________ term of the lease. See Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) (2009) (stating a landlord has thirt…”
- Whitehorn v. Lovik (Supreme Court of Iowa 1987, 398 N.W.2d 851)“…judgment; and (2) that the magistrate improperly construed Iowa Code section 562A.12(3) by entering judgment on the landlord…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Iowa Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Surveillance and Privacy Rights (2026)
§ 562A.19Access.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
1. The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors. 2. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency. 3. The landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least twenty-four hours’ notice of the landlord’s intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times. 4. The landlord does not have another right of access except by court order, and as permitted by sections 562A.28 and 562A.29, or if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2017
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Umeka Lewis v. John J. Jaeger, Robert E. Boge, and the City of Dubuque (Supreme Court of Iowa 2012, 818 N.W.2d 165)“…without [the] consent of the tenant in case of emergency.” Iowa Code § 562A.19(2). The landlord, however, “shall not…”
- Alta Vista Properties, LLC v. Mauer Vision Center, PC (Supreme Court of Iowa 2014)“…perty that he or she has the right to sell or finance. See Iowa Code § 562A.19(1) (2011). It provides, “The tenant sha…”
- State v. Lewis (Supreme Court of Iowa 2004, 675 N.W.2d 516)“…leased premises under certain circumstances as provided by Iowa Code sections 562A.19 and 562A.29. These Code provisions, how…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Iowa Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
§ 562A.34Periodic tenancy — holdover remedies.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. The landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least ten days prior to the termination date specified in the notice. 2. The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice. 3. The landlord or the tenant may terminate a tenancy having a term longer than month-to-month by a written notice given to the other at least thirty days prior to the end of the first or subsequent term of the tenancy specified in the notice. 4. If the tenant remains in possession without the landlord’s consent after expiration of the term of the rental agreement or its termination, the landlord may bring an action for possession and if the tenant’s holdover is willful and not in good faith the landlord, in addition, may recover the actual damages sustained by the landlord and reasonable attorney fees. If the landlord consents to the tenant’s continued occupancy, section 562A.9, subsection 5 applies.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hunter v. City of Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority (Supreme Court of Iowa 2007, 742 N.W.2d 578)“…27, 2001, with a “notice of lease termination” pursuant to Iowa Code section 562A.34(3). The notice requested Hunter to vaca…”
- Charmaine Hunter Vs. City Of Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority, Russell Underwood, Theresa Taylor And Tangela Weiss (Supreme Court of Iowa 2007)“…27, 2001, with a “notice of lease termination” pursuant to Iowa Code section 562A.34(3). The notice requested Hunter to vaca…”
- Bernet v. Rogers (Supreme Court of Iowa 1994, 519 N.W.2d 808)“…d to a thirty-day written notice of termination pursuant to Iowa Code section 562A.34(2) (1993). She also asserted that Skip…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Iowa Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
§ 562A.23Wrongful failure to supply heat, water, hot water or essential services.In force
1. If contrary to the rental agreement or section 562A.15 the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply running water, hot water, or heat, or essential services, the tenant may give written notice to the landlord specifying the breach and may: a. Procure reasonable amounts of hot water, running water, heat and essential services during the period of the landlord’s noncompliance and deduct their actual and reasonable cost from the rent; b. Recover damages based upon the diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit; or c. Recover any rent already paid for the period of the landlord’s noncompliance which shall be reimbursed on a pro rata basis. 2. If the tenant proceeds under this section, the tenant may not proceed under section 562A.21 as to that breach. 3. The rights under this section do not arise until the tenant has given notice to the landlord or if the condition was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, a member of the tenant’s family, or other person on the premises with the consent of the tenant.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Alex Butter and Sydney Stodola v. Midwest Property Management IC, LLC, KMB Property Management and Ruby Investments, LLC (Supreme Court of Iowa 2025)“…alleged that KMB breached the lease agreement and violated Iowa Code section 562A.23 based on the tenants’ payment of the wa…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 562A.9Terms and conditions of rental agreement.In force
1. The landlord and tenant may include in a rental agreement, terms and conditions not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law including rent, term of the agreement, and other provisions governing the rights and obligations of the parties. 2. In absence of agreement, the tenant shall pay as rent the fair rental value for the use and occupancy of the dwelling unit. 3. Rent shall be payable without demand or notice at the time and place agreed upon by the parties. Unless otherwise agreed, rent is payable at the dwelling unit and periodic rent is payable at the beginning of any term of one month or less and otherwise in equal monthly installments at the beginning of each month. Unless otherwise agreed, rent shall be uniformly apportionable from day-to-day. 4. For rental agreements in which the rent does not exceed seven hundred dollars per month, a rental agreement shall not provide for a late fee that exceeds twelve dollars per day or a total amount of sixty dollars per month.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2017
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Lenora Caruso v. Apts. Downtown, Inc. (Supreme Court of Iowa 2016)“…court for a narrow reason. The landlord argues that Iowa Code section 562A.9(1) generally authorizes a landlord to e…”
- Elyse De Stefano v. Apts. Downtown, Inc. (Supreme Court of Iowa 2016)“…ion “not prohibited by this chapter or other rule of law,” Iowa Code § 562A.9(1), while disallowing any provision th…”
- Crawford v. Yotty (Supreme Court of Iowa 2013, 828 N.W.2d 295)“…lied or required to be supplied by the landlord. Authority: Iowa Code § 562A.9 (1) Proposed instruction 12 and propo…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 562A.21Noncompliance by the landlord — in general.In force
1. Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a material noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with section 562A.15 materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may elect to commence an action under this section and shall deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than seven days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in seven days, and the rental agreement shall terminate and the tenant shall surrender as provided in the notice subject to the following: a. If the breach is remediable by repairs or the payment of damages or otherwise, and if the landlord adequately remedies the breach prior to the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement shall not terminate. b.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Crawford v. Yotty (Supreme Court of Iowa 2013, 828 N.W.2d 295)“…part one and the remedies of “Landlords” in part two. See Iowa Code §§ 562A.21-.33. Had the legis *304 lature intended…”
- Hunter v. City of Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority (Supreme Court of Iowa 2007, 742 N.W.2d 578)“…at 330 (“The basic self-help termination remedy [found in Iowa Code section 562A.21 (for tenants) and section 562A.27 (for…”
- In Re the Estate of Vazquez v. Hepner (Supreme Court of Iowa 1997, 564 N.W.2d 426)“…health and safety, the tenant may commence an action under Iowa Code section 562A.21. The district court was correct…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 562A.35Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access.In force
1. If the tenant refuses to allow lawful access, the landlord may obtain injunctive relief to compel access, or terminate the rental agreement. In either case, the landlord may recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. 2. If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or a lawful entry in an unreasonable manner or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct, or terminate the rental agreement. In either case, the tenant may recover actual damages not less than an amount equal to one month’s rent and reasonable attorney fees. ARTICLE V RETALIATORY ACTION
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Alex Butter and Sydney Stodola v. Midwest Property Management IC, LLC, KMB Property Management and Ruby Investments, LLC (Supreme Court of Iowa 2025)“…al to one month’s rent and reasonable attorney fees. Iowa Code § 562A.35(2). But at trial, the tenants establish…”
- Umeka Lewis v. John J. Jaeger, Robert E. Boge, and the City of Dubuque (Supreme Court of Iowa 2012, 818 N.W.2d 165)“…the IURLTA. See Iowa Code § 562A.19(3). Under Iowa Code section 562A.35(2), Lewis is entitled to recovery of a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Explore the law
This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Iowa Code, Chapter 562A: UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT LAW § 562A.1 (Short title.)
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
Search our full record of US law — 2.1 million sections, every state + federal →
Sources and References
- Iowa Code ch. 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division(iowaattorneygeneral.gov).gov
- Iowa Legal Aid(iowalegalaid.org)
- Iowa Code 562A.12 (Rental deposits)(legis.iowa.gov)
- Iowa Code 562A.23 (Wrongful failure to supply heat, water, hot water or essential services)(legis.iowa.gov)
- Iowa Code 562A.35 (Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access)(legis.iowa.gov)