Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Iowa

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Iowa, mainly from the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code chapter 562A). Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

2 months' rent1Iowa Code 562A.12

A landlord may not charge a security deposit of more than two months' rent.

Deposit return deadline

30 days1Iowa Code 562A.12

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement of reasons for keeping any part.

Interest on deposits

Not required for the first 5 years1Iowa Code 562A.12

Interest earned on a deposit during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord.

Late fees

$12 a day, $60 a month (rent up to $700), $20 a day, $100 a month (over $700)2Iowa Code 562A.9(4)

For rent of $700 a month or less, late fees are capped at $12 a day and $60 a month. For higher rent, the cap is $20 a day and $100 a month.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days3Iowa Code 562A.34(2)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days3Iowa Code 562A.34(2)

A landlord must give the same written notice, at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

Notice of a rent increase

30 days4Iowa Code 562A.13(5)

Tenants must get written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before it takes effect, and the increase cannot start before the current lease term ends.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

24 hours5Iowa Code 562A.19

Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering.

Notice for unpaid rent

3 days6Iowa Code 562A.27(2)

If rent is unpaid, the landlord can end the lease when the tenant does not pay within three days after written notice.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. Iowa Code 562A.12 (2026), Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026)official
  2. Iowa Code 562A.9 (2026), Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026)official
  3. Iowa Code 562A.34 (2026), Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026)official
  4. Iowa Code 562A.13 (2026), Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026)official
  5. Iowa Code 562A.19 (2026), Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026)official
  6. Iowa Code 562A.27 (2026), Iowa Legislature (Iowa Code 2026)official

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.