Iowa Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Iowa
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Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Iowa Code § 562A et seq.) caps deposits at 2 months' rent and requires return within 30 days. Landlords must give 24 hours notice before entry. Tenants may repair and deduct for habitability failures after proper written notice, and retaliation is prohibited under § 562A.36.
Security Deposit Max
2 months's rent
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (Iowa Code § 562A.12)
Protection Exists
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Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out with itemized statement
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (§ 562A.19)
Protection Exists
❌
Rent Control
Not permitted statewide
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Allowed after written notice for habitability failures (§ 562A.24)
Protection Exists
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — Iowa Code § 562A.36
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
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