Eviction Law in Iowa
Landlords in Iowa must follow strict procedures, and the smallest error can delay the process or even get the case thrown out.
That’s why understanding Iowa’s rental laws is critical before you take action. Knowing how many days’ notice is required and other details can make the difference between a quick resolution and a legal battle. It’s also where a qualified attorney can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to move forward, we can help connect you with an experienced Iowa eviction attorney. They’ll walk you through the right steps and represent your interests.
What Is an Eviction?
An eviction is the legal process used to remove a tenant from a rental property, typically due to unpaid rent, lease violations, or other breaches of agreement. While property owners have the right to take action, Iowa law outlines a structured process that landlords must follow carefully. Evicting a tenant isn’t as simple as changing the locks or demanding they move out—doing so improperly can delay the process or expose you to legal liability.
In many cases, serving an eviction notice doesn’t immediately result in a tenant leaving the property. These notices often act as a final warning, giving the tenant a chance to correct the issue—whether that means catching up on missed rent or complying with lease terms.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If a tenant regularly fails to pay rent on time—or skips payment altogether—it may be time to consider eviction. Occasional late payments might be forgiven under certain lease agreements, but consistent delinquency is a different story.
In Iowa, landlords are not required by law to offer a grace period unless it’s written into the lease. That means you can proceed with formal notice as soon as rent is late, provided your lease supports it.
According to the Iowa State Legislature, landlords may set reasonable late fees in the lease. If the monthly rent is $700 or less, the law caps late fees at $12 per day, up to a maximum of $60 per month. For units renting above $700, landlords may impose a $20 daily fee, not to exceed $100 per month.
To protect yourself in the event of legal action, keep a paper trail. Send written “late rent” notices every time a tenant misses a due date and retain copies for your records. If the situation escalates to court, this documentation can serve as crucial evidence of a pattern of nonpayment.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
A signed lease agreement is more than just paperwork—it’s a legally binding contract. If your tenant violates any of its terms, such as subletting the unit without permission or housing unauthorized occupants, that breach may be grounds for eviction. Iowa landlords have the right to issue a notice when a tenant’s actions contradict the lease, especially when prior warnings have been ignored.
Just as tenants are bound by the lease, so are landlords. Under Iowa law, you’re expected to honor the responsibilities outlined in the rental agreement, including timely repairs, regular maintenance, and preserving the property’s habitability.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Not all property damage qualifies as grounds for eviction. Everyday wear and tear—like scuffed baseboards or faded paint—is part of the rental experience. However, when the damage becomes excessive or intentional, it crosses into territory that justifies removal.
Damage that compromises safety or value—such as broken windows, holes in the walls, or vandalized appliances—may indicate that the tenant is neglectful or destructive. If the tenant refuses to address the damage or continues to violate the lease terms, you have a valid reason to begin the eviction process under Iowa law.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
Using a rental unit for illegal activity is one of the clearest justifications for eviction in Iowa. Whether it’s drug distribution, weapon trafficking, or other criminal behavior, these actions put your property—and other tenants—at risk. Not only do they violate the lease, but they may also expose you to legal liability if left unaddressed.
To move forward with eviction, you’ll need solid proof. If law enforcement has responded to criminal activity on your property or you’ve gathered documentation supporting your claim, this can support your case in court.
How to Evict a Tenant in Iowa
Step 1. Check Iowa Eviction Law
Eviction procedures in Iowa can differ from those in neighboring states—and even from city to city. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your local ordinances and ensure that your reason for eviction is legally recognized. Taking action without valid grounds or proper notice can backfire, potentially resulting in delays or dismissed cases.
According to Iowa Legal Aid, landlords have the right to pursue eviction for several reasons. These include unpaid rent, violations of the lease agreement, or even if a tenant—or their guest—creates what the law defines as a “clear and present danger” to others. Each of these situations requires a formal notice and strict adherence to the proper legal steps before the process can move forward.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If your tenant continues to break the terms of your lease despite your attempts to resolve the issue, it may be time to escalate the matter. A formal eviction notice acts as your final written warning. This document should clearly explain how the tenant has violated the lease, and what actions—if any—they can take to correct the issue and avoid removal.
The notice must also include a deadline for compliance or vacancy, along with the exact amount due if unpaid rent is involved. If you’re unsure how to word or deliver this document properly, you can start with a legally reviewed template or consult an Iowa landlord-tenant attorney to make sure you’re protected.
It’s important to know that Iowa law strictly prohibits “self-help” evictions. That means you cannot change the locks, remove a tenant’s belongings, or shut off utilities in an attempt to force them out.
If the eviction stems from nonpayment of rent, the tenant must be given an opportunity to cure the default—meaning they can still pay what they owe and remain in the unit. And if they leave behind personal property after moving out, you must notify them and give them a reasonable opportunity to retrieve it before disposing of or selling it.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Once you’ve served the tenant with a proper eviction notice, the next move is filing the case with the appropriate Iowa court. In most cases, this means filing an action for forcible entry and detainer in Iowa Small Claims Court.
After your case is filed, the court will set a hearing date and issue a summons to notify the tenant. Timing matters—don’t wait too long after serving notice, or you may have to start the process over.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Iowa Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
Before your court date, it’s wise to get legal help. An experienced Iowa eviction attorney can help organize your documentation and present a strong case in front of the judge. At the hearing, you’ll want to bring a complete paper trail that proves both the lease violation and your efforts to resolve the issue. Be sure to have:
- A signed copy of the lease agreement
- Proof of rental payments and any late fees
- Documentation of bounced checks (if applicable)
- Written communication between you and the tenant
- A copy of the eviction notice you served
- Evidence that the tenant received the notice (such as a signed receipt or affidavit of service)
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
Winning your eviction hearing is a major step forward—but it’s not always the final one. After the judgment, the court will give your tenant a short window to move out, usually between 48 hours and seven days depending on the circumstances.
If the tenant still refuses to vacate after that period, you have the right to request help from Iowa law enforcement to carry out the eviction. You cannot legally remove the tenant yourself; doing so may expose you to liability.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
If your former tenant owes back rent, you may still need to take action to recover what you’re owed. A court judgment doesn’t always result in automatic payment, but there are tools available to help you collect. Some of the most common methods include:
- Hiring a professional debt collection agency
- Requesting garnishment of the tenant’s wages
- Filing to intercept state or federal tax refunds
- Taking the tenant to Iowa small claims court for a money judgment
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Iowa
In Iowa, it’s not uncommon for tenants to push back by claiming improper notice or procedural errors. That’s why it’s critical to get the legal process right the first time.
An experienced Iowa eviction attorney can help ensure your notice complies with state law and that all required steps are properly documented. If you need help finding someone local—or even across state lines—we’re here to connect you with a trusted legal professional. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Iowa state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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