Iowa · Step-by-step guide
How to sign a compliant Iowa lease.
A practical walkthrough of the six things a Iowa landlord must get right, in order, before and after signing.
Start My Iowa Lease →1. Confirm the deposit cap
2 months' rent. Statutory cite: Iowa Code § 562A.12.
2. Set late-fee terms correctly
Capped at $12/day or $60/month (rent ≤ $700); 5%/$100 above
3. Plan entry notice
Give at least 24 hours' notice before entering the unit outside an emergency.
4. Give correct termination notice
30 days (month-to-month) for a month-to-month tenancy.
5. Attach every required disclosure
Lead-based paint, Contamination history (meth).
6. Return the deposit on time
30 days. Statutory cite: Iowa Code § 562A.12.
Iowa guide FAQs
- What order should a Iowa landlord follow before signing a lease?
- Confirm the deposit cap, set a compliant late fee, plan entry-notice language, set the correct termination notice, attach every required disclosure, and confirm the deposit-return timeline — in that order.
- Where can I find the full list of Iowa required disclosures?
- See the full disclosure list on the Iowa state page, or browse disclosure requirements by topic across all states.