Iowa Lease Agreement

Published Dec 07, 2025
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An Iowa Lease Agreement is a legal document that details the rights, responsibilities, and rental terms agreed upon by a landlord and tenant in Iowa.

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IOWA LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into on the , by and between:

LANDLORD:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:

AND

TENANT(S):
Name(s):

I. THE PREMISES

The Landlord agrees to lease to the Tenant, and the Tenant agrees to lease from the Landlord, the residential premises located at the following address (the "Premises"):

Address:
City:
State: Iowa
Zip Code:

The Premises includes the following furniture/appliances:

II. TERM OF LEASE

The term of this Agreement shall be (check one):

III. RENT

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord rent in the amount of $ per month.

Rent is due on the day of each month.

Rent shall be paid by (check all that apply):




Payment Instructions:

IV. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Upon execution of this Agreement, the Tenant shall deposit with the Landlord the sum of $ as a security deposit.

*Note: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.12, the security deposit may not exceed two (2) months' rent.*

The Security Deposit will be held at the following financial institution:
Bank Name:
Address:

In accordance with Iowa Code § 562A.12(3), the Landlord shall return the security deposit to the Tenant within thirty (30) days after the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the Tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions. The Landlord may withhold from the security deposit only such amounts as are reasonably necessary to remedy Tenant defaults in the payment of rent, to restore the Premises to its condition at the commencement of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and to recover expenses for acquiring possession of the Premises if the Tenant fails to surrender possession.

V. LATE CHARGES

If rent is not paid by the due date, the Tenant shall pay a late fee. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.9(4), late fees shall be calculated as follows:

  1. If rent is $700.00 per month or less: The late fee shall not exceed $12.00 per day or a total amount of $60.00 per month.
  2. If rent is greater than $700.00 per month: The late fee shall not exceed $20.00 per day or a total amount of $100.00 per month.

The specific late fee agreed upon for this Lease is $ per day, not to exceed the statutory limits described above.

VI. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The parties agree that utilities and services shall be the responsibility of the following parties:

Electricity:


Gas/Heat:

Water:

Sewer:

Trash Removal:

Cable/Internet:

Snow Removal:

Lawn Care:

VII. SHARED UTILITIES DISCLOSURE

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.13(4), if the Premises has a separate utility meter, the Tenant is responsible for payment. If the utility is not separately metered:

VIII. OCCUPANTS

The Premises shall be occupied only by the Tenant(s) listed above and the following additional occupants (including minors):

IX. PETS

X. RIGHT OF ENTRY

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.19, the Landlord may enter the Premises to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors.

Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the Landlord shall give the Tenant at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice of the Landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.

XI. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Landlord's Duties: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.15, the Landlord shall comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the Premises in a fit and habitable condition; keep all common areas in a clean and safe condition; and maintain in good and safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances.

Tenant's Duties: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.17, the Tenant shall comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; keep that part of the Premises that the Tenant occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the Premises permits; dispose from the dwelling unit all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner; keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by the Tenant as clean as their condition permits; and use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances.

XII. REQUIRED IOWA DISCLOSURES

1. Manager and Owner Information (Iowa Code § 562A.13):

The following person is authorized to manage the Premises:
Name:
Address:

The following person is the owner of the Premises or authorized to act on behalf of the owner for the purpose of service of process and receiving and receipting for notices and demands:
Name:
Address:

2. Environmental Liability (CERCLIS):

The Landlord hereby discloses whether the Premises is listed in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) maintained by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

XIII. LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE

Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly.

The Premises was built (check one):

XIV. DEFAULT AND TERMINATION

Failure to Pay Rent: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.27(2), if rent is unpaid when due and the Tenant fails to pay rent within three (3) days after written notice by the Landlord of nonpayment and the Landlord's intention to terminate the rental agreement if the rent is not paid within that period of time, the Landlord may terminate the rental agreement.

Noncompliance: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.27(1), if there is a material noncompliance by the Tenant with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with § 562A.17 materially affecting health and safety, the Landlord may deliver a written notice to the Tenant specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than seven (7) days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in seven (7) days.

XV. ABANDONMENT

If the Tenant abandons the dwelling unit, the Landlord shall make reasonable efforts to rent it at a fair rental. If the Landlord rents the dwelling unit for a term beginning before the expiration of this Agreement, this Agreement terminates as of the date of the new tenancy.

XVI. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa, specifically the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 562A of the Iowa Code).

XVII. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Additional provisions of this Agreement are:

XVIII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations. This Agreement may only be modified in writing signed by both parties.

SIGNATURES

LANDLORD:
Signature: _________________________
Date:
Print Name: _______________

TENANT(S):
Signature: _________________________
Date:
Print Name: _______________

What is an Iowa Lease Agreement?

An Iowa Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract executed between a landlord and a tenant for the rental of residential or commercial property within the state. This document establishes the terms and conditions of the tenancy, delineating the transfer of possession of the property in exchange for periodic rent payments. It serves to define the specific rights, responsibilities, and obligations of all parties involved, ensuring clarity regarding financial commitments, property maintenance, and duration of occupancy. The agreement functions as the primary legal standard for the landlord-tenant relationship and must adhere to the specific regulations set forth in the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Legal Framework and Statutory Basis

The governance of residential lease agreements in Iowa is primarily dictated by Iowa Code Chapter 562A, known as the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law. This chapter applies to most rental arrangements for dwelling units within the state, providing a comprehensive framework for the duties of both landlords and tenants. For mobile home parks, the regulations are found under Iowa Code Chapter 562B. These statutes supersede any conflicting terms written into a private contract, meaning that clauses within a lease that waive statutory rights or attempt to enforce provisions contrary to state law are generally unenforceable.

Under these laws, a rental agreement can be written or oral. However, written agreements are standard practice as they provide clear evidence of the terms agreed upon. The state law covers critical aspects such as security deposits, maintenance standards, and eviction procedures. It is essential for the document to comply with federal housing laws as well, including the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Required Disclosures in Iowa

State and federal laws mandate that landlords provide specific information to tenants before the execution of the lease. Failure to include these disclosures can lead to legal penalties or complicate eviction proceedings.

  • Shared Utilities: If the dwelling unit has a shared utility meter with another unit or common areas, the landlord must disclose how utility charges are calculated and distributed among tenants prior to the start of the tenancy.
  • Environmental Liability: Landlords must inform tenants if the property is listed in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS). This informs the tenant of potential environmental hazards associated with the site.
  • Agent Identification: The lease must disclose the name and address of the property owner and any person authorized to manage the premises or receive notices and demands on behalf of the owner.
  • Lead-Based Paint: In accordance with 42 U.S. Code § 4852d, for any housing built prior to 1978, the landlord must provide a lead-based paint disclosure form and an EPA-approved information pamphlet.

Security Deposit Regulations

Iowa provides strict guidelines regarding the collection and return of security deposits under Iowa Code § 562A.12. A landlord is permitted to charge a maximum security deposit equivalent to two months' rent. This fund is held to cover potential damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other breaches of the lease agreement. The funds must be kept in a bank or savings and loan association account separate from the landlord's personal funds.

Upon the termination of the tenancy, the landlord has a specific timeframe to return the deposit. The landlord must return the security deposit, or the balance thereof, within 30 days of the tenant vacating the property and providing a forwarding address. If any deductions are made, the landlord is required to provide a written itemized statement explaining the specific reasons for withholding funds. Failure to return the deposit or provide the statement within the statutory period may entitle the tenant to recover punitive damages up to twice the amount of the rental deposit plus court costs and attorney fees.

Landlord Right of Entry

The balance between a tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and a landlord's need to maintain the property is regulated by Iowa Code § 562A.19. A landlord may enter the dwelling unit to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors.

Except in cases of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours' notice of the intent to enter. Furthermore, entry is only permitted at reasonable times. Abuse of the right of access or using it to harass the tenant is prohibited, and tenants may obtain injunctive relief or terminate the rental agreement if such violations occur. Conversely, tenants may not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter the unit for legitimate purposes.

Termination and Eviction Procedures

The process for ending an Iowa Lease Agreement depends on the reason for termination and the type of tenancy. Iowa Code § 562A outlines specific notice periods that must be adhered to for the termination to be legally valid.

  • Non-Payment of Rent: If rent is unpaid when due, the landlord may deliver a written notice of nonpayment. If the rent is not paid within three days after receipt of the notice, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement.
  • Lease Violations: For material noncompliance with the rental agreement or noncompliance with health and safety codes, the landlord may deliver a notice specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach. The tenant generally has seven days to remedy the breach; if not remedied, the agreement terminates.
  • Month-to-Month Tenancy: Either party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by providing a written notice at least 30 days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, verbal rental agreements are recognized in Iowa for tenancies of one year or less. However, written agreements are strongly preferred for legal clarity, and any lease for a duration longer than one year must be in writing to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds.
Yes, landlords may charge late fees, but they are capped by state law. For rent of $700 or less per month, the fee cannot exceed $12 per day or $60 per month; for rent over $700, it cannot exceed $20 per day or $100 per month.
Iowa law does not explicitly forbid pet deposits, but the total amount of all deposits (security and pet combined) cannot exceed the statutory limit of two months' rent. Landlords may not charge deposits for service animals or emotional support animals under fair housing laws.
Generally, the lease remains valid, and the new owner must honor the existing Iowa Lease Agreement until it expires. The security deposit and any advance rent must be transferred to the new owner, who then assumes responsibility for the funds.
Yes, under specific circumstances defined in Iowa Code § 562A.23. If a landlord fails to supply essential services like heat or water, or fails to remedy a condition affecting health and safety within seven days of receiving written notice, the tenant may repair the defect and deduct the cost from the rent, subject to monetary limits.

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