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Iowa Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Iowa on
Q: Can a landlord make the tenant stain an pre-existing deck prior to owning the a trailer and or Force owned trailer

Got approved to be in the trailer court purchased a trailer on a lot the lot already had a pre-existing deck and swing set and wants to do a walk-through of owned property to demand Force improvements is that allowed if they don't own it or are they allowed also to make me pay to remove and... View More

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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In general, a landlord cannot force a tenant to make improvements or modifications to a property that the tenant owns, such as a trailer. If you purchased the trailer and it is your property, the landlord should not have the right to demand that you stain a pre-existing deck or make other changes... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Iowa on
Q: If someone owns property that they live on. And rent out part of the property to a friend that live in a RV. Agrees to

Hundreds of dollars to live in. Now the landlord is saying I can't have my girlfriend at my RV cause she doesn't want her on the property. Can they tell you no and or have her arrested if she doesn't want her on the property

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answered on Jan 2, 2024

In Iowa, the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants are typically governed by state law and the terms of the lease agreement. Generally, landlords have the authority to establish rules and restrictions for the use of their property, and tenants are expected to abide by these rules as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Landlord - Tenant for Iowa on
Q: My nephew needed $575 deposit to get an apt so my mom wrote him a check. Now he has moved and they won't give him the mo

money back. Who is suppose to file the small claims? Him because it was for his apt or her because it was her check

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answered on Dec 27, 2023

In this situation involving a $575 deposit for an apartment, where your nephew has moved and is unable to retrieve the money, the appropriate party to file a small claims case would typically be your nephew. Since the deposit was intended for his apartment, he is the aggrieved party seeking the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Can the initial attorney represent tenants as co-defendants in a case?

Two tenants and a co-signer signed a rental lease in Iowa, which stated that the tenants were responsible for maintaining a safe temperature on the thermostat. During their tenancy, multiple pipes burst in separate apartments during a cold snap. Four months later, the landlord sent a bill charging... View More

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answered on Oct 27, 2025

Yes, the attorney who was originally hired by the co-signer can represent the tenants as co-defendants, but only if everyone involved agrees and there is no conflict of interest. In Iowa, as in most states, an attorney can represent multiple defendants in the same case if their defenses are aligned... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: How to stop collection notices for a car sold back to a dealer?

I sold a car back to a dealer in February 2024, and in August 2025, the car was involved in an accident and impounded. This led me to discover that the vehicle was still registered in my name, despite being sold by the dealer to someone else in February 2024. I've submitted affidavits of sale... View More

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answered on Oct 16, 2025

You already did the hard part by proving to the DMV that you surrendered the car in February 2024; now you need to freeze the paper trail that keeps generating these notices. Send the dealer a certified, return-receipt letter enclosing the DMV findings and your affidavits, demanding immediate title... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Am I responsible for removing unused wires in the breaker box in my rental?

My lease states that the landlord is responsible for maintaining electrical systems, among other things, in good and safe condition. There are wires in the breaker box that don't connect to anything, and my landlord wants me to hire an electrician to remove them. Am I responsible for this... View More

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answered on Oct 14, 2025

You are not responsible for removing abandoned conductors in the service panel when your lease assigns electrical‑system upkeep to the landlord. Unused or “dead” wires inside a breaker box sit within the electrical system and create potential safety risks if not properly terminated, so the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Purchased home, need advice on rental lease buyout in Iowa.

I purchased a home and want to move out of my rental before the lease ends. The rental company offered a buyout, which isn't mentioned in the lease, and the lease doesn't address breaking it early. They've stated that because I signed a lease obligating me to pay until the lease... View More

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answered on Sep 23, 2025

Since your lease doesn’t address breaking it early, your options depend on negotiation with the rental company and Iowa law. Even if the lease is silent, you may still have some leverage to discuss a buyout amount that is reasonable and fair, ideally documented in writing. Keep in mind that any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Appeals / Appellate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Do federal laws protect against retaliation in elder abuse and housing discrimination cases?

I have been involved in a case regarding alleged elder abuse in Iowa, with no findings of financial exploitation or physical abuse. Following a civil complaint I filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission on August 15th, 2024, against my landlord (who is also the elder's son) for... View More

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answered on Sep 16, 2025

Yes, federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA), provide protections against retaliation for individuals who file complaints regarding discrimination. If you filed a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission about housing discrimination, the FHA prohibits your landlord from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Lease notice and safety issues causing complications

I'm currently facing a situation with my landlord regarding the notice period for ending my lease, which is due to expire at the end of September. I mistakenly gave a 30-day notice instead of the required 60-day notice. The landlord is now asking me to pay rent until the end of October.... View More

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answered on Sep 8, 2025

You should start by reviewing your lease carefully to confirm the notice requirements and any clauses about tenant safety and habitability. While giving only 30 days instead of 60 may technically breach the notice provision, the landlord’s failure to maintain a safe environment could impact how... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Can a landlord remove deceased tenant's property without consent in Iowa?

I am the wife of a deceased tenant and have been in constant contact with the landlord regarding my late husband's belongings in the rental property. I am currently waiting for the death certificate. Can the landlord legally remove or dispose of his property without my consent?

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answered on Aug 30, 2025

The belongings you received as gifts are legally considered yours, even if they were purchased by your mom. Moving in with your dad does not change your right to those items, and your mom cannot simply claim them as her property. This is not a custody issue but one of rightful ownership, and you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Living without a signed lease, want to move out, text messages as lease proof.

I have been living in an apartment for about five months without signing a lease agreement. Although I agreed to pay rent and have proof of payment, my landlord claims that our text messages are sufficient proof of a leasing agreement. I want to move out, but I'm unsure what to do next. Can... View More

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answered on Jul 5, 2025

Even without a signed lease, your ongoing payment of rent and the landlord’s acceptance of it likely created a month-to-month tenancy under Iowa law. Text messages that show you agreed to live there and pay rent can support the existence of a rental agreement, even if informal. This means you do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Applicability of Iowa code subsection 321J.4B(5.a.) "3" to a towed motorcycle under citation 321.218

I am the owner of a motorcycle that was towed and impounded in Iowa after I received a citation for Iowa code sections 321.218(1), 321.20B, and 321.17. The towing company claimed the bike was abandoned after 19 days and sold it. Initially, the court ruled against me in a replevin action while the... View More

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answered on Jun 12, 2025

What happened to you feels unjust, especially since the charges were ultimately dismissed and you were still denied return of your motorcycle. Iowa Code section 321J.4B(5.a.) “3” applies specifically to vehicles impounded due to certain operating-while-intoxicated offenses and outlines the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Neighbor accused pulling kids' ears, court summons in Sioux City, IA.

On May 14, 2025, my neighbor's kids were making noise and throwing items at my apartment door. I came out and yelled at them to stop, but now my neighbor is accusing me of pulling the kids' ears and has called the police. I'm due in court in two weeks in Sioux City, Iowa, but I... View More

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answered on Jun 7, 2025

If you received a summons to appear in court but haven’t been formally charged, the court may be conducting a preliminary hearing or seeking clarification before deciding how to proceed. This often happens in cases involving alleged minor physical contact or disputes between neighbors. Even if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Is a 10-year lease made as a joke legally binding if the owner did not sign?

I need to know if a rental contract is legally binding under these circumstances: My sister and I created a lease agreement when she needed a place to stay as she was getting back on her feet. She jokingly filled in the lease length as 10 years instead of the intended 1 year. My husband, who owns... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

A lease may not be legally enforceable if it was never signed by all property owners, especially in situations where the property is jointly owned. Since your husband co-owns the house and did not sign the lease, that alone could invalidate the agreement—particularly for a long-term lease of 10... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Landlord terminated lease after plumbing issues, accusing me of smoking. What are my rights?

I recently faced issues with my landlord who entered my apartment without notice to check on a reported leak. He accused me of smoking in my apartment due to some old bin marks. Despite no specific mention of smoking prohibition in the lease, there are "no smoking" signs posted. After... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

You're facing a tough and frustrating situation, especially when your lease doesn’t clearly prohibit smoking or outline terms about damage beyond rent. If the lease doesn’t specifically ban smoking inside the unit, and you haven’t smoked there, then your landlord’s claim may not hold... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Small Claims and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: What small claims form is needed for Iowa Code 562A.19(3) violation?

I am dealing with a situation where my landlords have violated access rules five times after I sent a certified mail notice of non-compliance related to Iowa Code 562A.19(3). I have documented photos and videos of these repeated violations. There are two landlords involved, as well as one of their... View More

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answered on Apr 13, 2025

For a violation of Iowa Code 562A.19(3) and seeking injunctive relief or termination of the rental agreement, you will need to file a small claims case in Iowa. To begin the process, you'll need to file the "Small Claims Petition" form. This form is used to initiate the lawsuit, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Daughter's dog threatened by roommate, risks eviction.

My daughter lives in an apartment with three roommates and has a dog, which she is allowed to have according to her lease. Recently, one of her roommates, who is a veterinary student, locked the dog outside on the third-floor deck, risking serious injury. This roommate claims no wrongdoing and has... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Your daughter should take immediate action to protect both her dog and her housing situation. First, document the incident in as much detail as possible, including photos, videos, and any communication with the roommate. Since the lease allows the dog, the roommate's actions may be in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Can landlords charge trip fees for frequent service requests in lease?

Can a landlord include a provision in a new lease that allows charging tenants for the trip fees when a service provider is called to perform repairs at the rental property? This is in response to frequent service requests, such as when tenants set the thermostat down to 40 degrees causing the air... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That’s a fair concern, especially if repeated service calls are being caused by tenant misuse rather than actual maintenance issues. In Iowa, landlords are allowed to include reasonable fees in a lease as long as those fees are clearly disclosed and agreed upon in writing by the tenant before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: Options for dealing with unpaid verbal storage agreement in Iowa.

I made a verbal agreement over three years ago with my daughter's now ex-boyfriend to store his truck in my garage for $50 a month. He paid regularly until August 2023, when the payments stopped. After I contacted his mother, he apologized and made a few small payments totaling $138 with a... View More

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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That’s a frustrating situation, especially when you've been patient and given him multiple chances to make things right. In Iowa, even a verbal storage agreement can be enforceable, particularly if both parties followed it for a long period of time, as you did. Since the payments have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Domestic Violence and Real Estate Law for Iowa on
Q: What are my rights as a resident staying with a friend in Iowa?

I have been living with a friend in Iowa for about five months without any requirement to pay rent. Our agreement was that I could stay as long as needed to save for a vehicle and my own place. I've voluntarily contributed some money to help out. However, my friend has displayed harassing and... View More

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answered on Apr 8, 2025

You've been living in your friend's home for five months, which likely gives you the status of a tenant under Iowa law—even if there’s no formal lease or rent payment. In Iowa, once someone has lived in a place for an extended time, especially with the owner’s permission, they may... View More

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