Iowa Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rentIowa generally caps residential security deposits at 2 months' rent. A lease clause demanding more than that may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Iowa law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Iowa compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Iowa compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Iowa?
- Iowa generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Maximum 2 months rent. Must be held in separate trust account at Iowa financial institution. Interest paid to tenant after 5 years of tenancy. Return within 30 days after receiving forwarding address. Bad faith retention: up to 2x damages.
- Does Iowa require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- Yes — Iowa requires landlords to pay interest on held security deposits (after 5 years of tenancy). It is one of 14 US jurisdictions with an interest requirement.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Iowa?
- Iowa landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after receiving your forwarding address.
Check Your Lease Against Iowa Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Iowa law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Iowa lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Iowa for your specific situation.