What You Should Know About Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law

The landlord-tenant laws explain both parties' rights and obligations when drafting a lease document. For individuals looking for leases in Iowa State, understanding could help avoid lawsuits that can destroy the business relationship between the landlord and tenant.

To make things easier, helps you ensure that all the demands in the Iowa rental laws are understood and met accordingly. DoNotPay can also help you get back your security deposit, contest an eviction threat and sue your landlord for a deposit.

Various Laws and Rights Regarding Tenants in Iowa

Iowa Landlord-Tenant Laws about Repairs

If tenants request repairs, they must do so in writing by sending a notice to the landlord via certified mail or presenting it in person. The landlord then has 7 days to make the necessary repairs after receiving the notice.

Tenants must give the landlord access to the property to make the repairs. If repairs aren't made even after the landlord is given reasonable time, the law allows the tenants to withhold rent, repair and deduct the amount used, file lawsuits, or report the issue to health, safety, fire, or energy inspectors.

Iowa Landlord Tenant Law Regarding Pets

Iowa landlord-tenant laws do not have any specific clauses regarding pets, which implies that landlords are lawfully permitted to create their pet policies and requirements that include tolerance for breeds, size, and types. Thus, pet laws vary from one landlord to the other. Tenants should check with their landlords to know their policies and requirements for pets.

Iowa Landlord Tenant Eviction Law

Iowa eviction laws vary across counties; however, they still follow the same general process:

Sending a clear written notice
Filling out the forms
Serving the tenant
Attending the trial
Waiting for judgment

Reasons for Eviction

Failure to comply with the rent deadline
Violation of the lease
Conducting illegal activity such as theft, violence
Safety violation
Non-renewal of the lease after the rental period ends

Iowa Late Rental Fees

If the renter fails to pay rent on time, the landlord can charge the following:

Rent	Late Fee
$700 or lower/month	$12/day of late payment
Exceeds $700	$20/day or $100/month only

The state lacks the legal requirement for grace periods.

Tenant’s Remedies

If a landlord fails to perform some of their key obligations, such as making repairs or is involved in harassment, the tenant may file a complaint or end the agreement by giving proper written notice. In some cases, the tenant may make repairs and deduct the cost from the rent owed to the landlord. However, specific procedures must be considered to end an agreement or withhold rent.

How to Report a Landlord in Iowa State

To report your landlord in Iowa State for harassment issues or forceful eviction, the law requires you to contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission by calling 1-800-457-4416 to file a housing discrimination complaint with a housing intake staff person.

When a verified complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine whether it meets the statutory requirements of Iowa Code chapter 216. A complaint must be filed with the commission 300 days after the alleged misconduct.
During the process, the parties may decide to settle the complaint through a mediation process.
At any time, the complainant may file an action directly in district court regardless of whether an administrative complaint has been filed.
During the investigation, each party is interviewed, and additional records are collected. At the same time, witnesses are contacted and interviewed. Upon completing the investigation, the investigator may proceed to the administrative law judge to determine whether there is the probable cause which, if proven, the parties are granted 20 days to decide whether to proceed with the commission or district court.

How to Report a Landlord in Iowa State with the Help of DoNotPay

If you want to report your landlord in Iowa and you don't know where to begin, DoNotPay has you covered in 4 easy steps:

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.

And that's it! You should hear back from your landlord directly once your demands are sent.

Why Use DoNotPay to Report a landlord in Iowa State

DoNotPay’s services are a perfect solution because they are:

Fast. DoNotPay saves you from the time that would otherwise be spent trying to resolve the issue in a court of law.
Easy. The landlord-tenant product frees you from making round trips to the court or complaint commission.
Successful. Our team won’t stop until you’re satisfied.