What are the rental laws in Iowa?

State law regulates several rent-related issues, including late fees, the amount of notice (at least 30 days in Iowa) landlords must give tenants to raise the rent, and how much time (three days in Iowa) a tenant has to pay rent or move before a landlord can file for eviction.

Does Iowa have rent control laws?

Iowa law preempts any form of rent control at either a state or local level so landlords can set rental prices to whatever they want. Rent increases. Landlords must notify tenants at least 30 days before raising the rent but landlords do not have to give justification for raising rent.

Can a landlord charge for carpet cleaning in Iowa?

Lease provisions that require the tenant to pay for carpet cleaning at the end of a lease, regardless of actual damage, are illegal and unenforceable. A landlord cannot make you pay for carpet cleaning automatically.

What is Iowa Code 562a 34?

34 – Periodic tenancy — holdover remedies. 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. …

How many people can live in an apartment in Iowa?

Landlords may not set a limit on how many persons can occupy a unit which is more restrictive than the above standards, such as a limit of four persons in a three-bedroom apartment. Landlords may not limit a one bedroom apartment to one person, if the sleeping room is of average size.

What is a residential lease agreement in Iowa?

The Iowa residential lease agreement (“rental agreement”) outlines the conditions of the residential use of real estate in exchange for rent payments. The landlord will usually have a tenant fill out an application before signing a lease to make sure they are qualified to pay the rent amount each month.

What are the rules for renting a house in Iowa?

Iowa law protects tenants by limiting the amount a landlord can charge. In Iowa, the most a landlord can collect as security is two times the monthly rent. Rules for Storing Deposit: Landlords are responsible for placing a tenant’s deposit in an account in a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union.

When does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Iowa?

Returning Deposit: Landlords in Iowa must return the portion of the tenant’s security deposit that is owed back to the tenant within 30 days of receiving the tenant’s forwarding address. The tenant has one year after moving out to supply the landlord with their forwarding address.

Can a landlord change the locks on a house in Iowa?

Iowa law does not have specific provisions forbidding tenants from changing locks. As such, tenants are assumed to have the right to change locks unless the lease expressly forbids it. Landlords cannot unilaterally change locks on tenants as a form of eviction.

The Iowa residential lease agreement (“rental agreement”) outlines the conditions of the residential use of real estate in exchange for rent payments. The landlord will usually have a tenant fill out an application before signing a lease to make sure they are qualified to pay the rent amount each month.

What are the rights of a landlord in Iowa?

Pursuant to Iowa law (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law Ch. 562A) this relationship comes with certain rights and responsibilities for the landlord such as the right to collect rent in a timely manner and process eviction pending a lease violation.

How long does a landlord have to return a deposit in Iowa?

(Section 562A.12(3) and (4), Code of Iowa) After a tenant has moved out and left a mailing address, the landlord has 30 days to either return the deposit or give the tenant a written explanation of exactly why the landlord is keeping some or all of the deposit.

How does a landlord raise the rent in Iowa?

(Section 562A.13, Code of Iowa) In a month-to-month rental arrangement, a landlord may raise the rent if proper advance notice is given. To raise the rent, the landlord must give the tenant a written notice of the rent increase at least 30 days before the increase can take effect.