United States · IA

Iowa landlord-tenant laws.

The key statutes you need to know as a Iowa landlord — deposit caps, late fees, entry notice, and required disclosures at a glance.

Security deposit

2 months' rent

Return: 30 days

Late fees

Capped: $12/day up to $60/month (rent < $700) or $20/day up to $100/month

Entry notice

24 hours

Termination notice

30 days

Rent control

Prohibited

Required disclosures

Every Iowa residential lease must include these disclosures where applicable. Missing required disclosures can void clauses or trigger statutory penalties.

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Environmental hazards

Notable Iowa quirk

One of few states with a hard dollar cap on late fees.

Iowa landlord law FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Iowa?

Capped: $12/day up to $60/month (rent < $700) or $20/day up to $100/month. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.

What is the security deposit limit in Iowa?

2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Iowa?

24 hours.

Is there rent control in Iowa?

Prohibited.

Sources

Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.

Eviction timelines in Iowa

See filing fees, timelines, and estimated total costs for Iowa.

View costs

Baked in

Iowa-compliant leases, automatically.

TenantFort loads the right lease template with Iowa deposit language, disclosures, and termination terms baked in. Screening, leases, and compliance — all in one place.

Other states

Kansas

1 month (unfurnished) / 1.5 months (furnished)

Kentucky

No cap

Louisiana

No cap

Maine

2 months' rent

Maryland

1 month's rent (since Oct. 1, 2024; up to 2 months only under the narrow § 8-203(b)(2) utility-assistance exception)

Massachusetts

1 month's rent

Michigan

1.5 months' rent

Minnesota

No cap