Iowa Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Iowa law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Iowa landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Iowa lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | required (after 5 years of tenancy) |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours |
| Late fee cap | $12/day or $60/month when rent is $700 or less; $20/day or $100/month for higher rents |
| Rent grace period | no statutory grace period |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 3 disclosures required |
Iowa lease law guides
- Iowa Security Deposit Limit2 months' rent
- Iowa Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- Iowa Deposit Interest Rulesinterest required (after 5 years of tenancy)
- Iowa Landlord Entry Notice24 hours
- Iowa Late Fee Laws$12/day or $60/month when rent is $700 or less; $20/day or $100/month for higher rents
- Iowa Rent Grace Periodno statutory grace period
- Iowa Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- Iowa Required Disclosures3 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Iowa law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rights under Iowa URLTALikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in Iowa, with statute citations →
Disclosures Iowa landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Utilities
- Flood Plain
What each required disclosure covers in Iowa, with citations →
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Iowa lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Iowa?
- Iowa generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Conditions can apply — see the Iowa security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Iowa?
- Generally 30 days after receiving your forwarding address. Conditions can apply — see the Iowa deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Iowa?
- Yes — Iowa law requires interest on held security deposits for after 5 years of tenancy. Conditions can apply — see the Iowa deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Iowa?
- Generally at least 24 hours. Conditions can apply — see the Iowa landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Iowa?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at $12/day or $60/month when rent is $700 or less; $20/day or $100/month for higher rents. Conditions can apply — see the Iowa late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Iowa?
- There is no statutory grace period in Iowa; rent is late the day after it is due unless your lease says otherwise. Conditions can apply — see the Iowa rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Iowa?
- Iowa law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights under iowa urlta; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Iowa?
- Iowa requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Utilities (Disclosure if tenant responsible for utilities serving common areas or other tenants); Flood Plain (Disclosure if property is in a flood plain).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.