--- title: "Iowa Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC" description: "Iowa landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 2 months of rent, deposit returned within 30 days, 30-day notice to end month-to-month. Official sources linked." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/iowa-landlord-rules" --- Free tool · Iowa · Landlords and tenants # Iowa landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Iowa, each from the state's own pages or courts. **Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Iowa: Within 30 days from the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions: the deposit, or a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding (562A.12(3)). Deposit limit: No more than two months' rent (562A.12(1)). **Sources checked:** November 2026 **Quick answer.** Iowa: deposit capped at 2 months of rent; deposit returned within 30 days; 30-day notice to end month-to-month; 3-day notice for unpaid rent; 24-hour entry notice; $115 eviction filing fee; $6,500 small claims limit. 19 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 4 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. ## Key numbers Deposit limit 2 months' rent Deposit back within 30 days Month-to-month notice (landlord) 30 days Unpaid rent notice 3 days Entry notice 24 hours Filing fee $115 Time to answer or appear At the hearing Judgment to writ Up to 3 days Small claims limit $6,500 ## Security deposit (6 of 6 confirmed) Law read: Iowa Code 562A.12. Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving). - ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than two months' rent (562A.12(1)). Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 562A.12, Rental deposits](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedReturn deadline Within 30 days from the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions: the deposit, or a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding (562A.12(3)). Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 562A.12, Rental deposits](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions A written statement showing the specific reason for withholding (562A.12(3)). Missing it forfeits the right to withhold (562A.12(4)). Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 562A.12, Rental deposits](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit Interest earned during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord (562A.12(2)). Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 562A.12, Rental deposits](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held In a federally insured bank, savings and loan or credit union; may be a trust account; not commingled with the landlord's own money (562A.12(2)). Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 562A.12, Rental deposits](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Bad-faith retention: actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent (562A.12(7)). Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 562A.12, Rental deposits](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/562A.12.pdf), checked November 2026 More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-IA) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=IA) ## Notice periods (6 of 6 confirmed) What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too. | Notice | Rule | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Ending month-to-month (landlord) | Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. | Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/562a.pdf), checked November 2026 (Iowa Code 562A.34(2)) | | Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. | Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/562a.pdf), checked November 2026 (Iowa Code 562A.34(2)) | | Rent increase notice | Written notice at least 30 days before the increase takes effect. | Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/562a.pdf), checked November 2026 (Iowa Code 562A.13(5)) | | Unpaid rent notice | 3 days after written notice of nonpayment. | Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/562a.pdf), checked November 2026 (Iowa Code 562A.27(2)) | | Entry notice | At least 24 hours' notice and reasonable times, except emergencies or where impracticable. | Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/562a.pdf), checked November 2026 (Iowa Code 562A.19(3)) | | Late fee limits | Rent of $700 a month or less: no more than $12 a day or $60 a month. Over $700: $20 a day or $100 a month. | Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/562a.pdf), checked November 2026 (Iowa Code 562A.9(4)) | More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-IA) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=IA) ## Eviction case, in order (6 of 10 confirmed) - **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: 3 days after written notice of nonpayment. - **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt Filed as a small claims action in the county where the rental is.The forms you must use in Iowa Small Claims Court are available in fillable format Source: [Iowa Judicial Branch: Instructions for Filing a Petition for Forcible Entry and Detainer](https://www.iowacourts.gov/browse/files/a5f1cae3a9ca491ab35473050058ca7e/download), checked November 2026 - #### ConfirmedFiling fee $115, collected when you file electronically.A filing fee of $115.00 will be collected when you electronically file. Source: [Iowa Judicial Branch: Instructions for Filing a Petition for Forcible Entry and Detainer](https://www.iowacourts.gov/browse/files/a5f1cae3a9ca491ab35473050058ca7e/download), checked November 2026 - **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear The tenant gets at least three days' notice and answers by attending the hearing; missing it can mean a judgment.If you do not attend the hearing, the court may enter a judgment against you. Source: [Iowa Judicial Branch: Instructions for Defendant Responding to a Small Claims Action](https://www.iowacourts.gov/browse/files/71addedc43dc4d248ef5bac4a9aa28ef/download), checked November 2026 - **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing The hearing is set no later than 8 days after filing (up to 15 if the landlord asks for or agrees to a later date), and personal service must be at least 3 days before.no later than eight days from the filing date Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html), checked November 2026 - **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### ConfirmedJudgment to writ If the landlord wins, the execution (removal order) issues within three days of the judgment.an execution for the defendant's removal within three days from the judgment shall issue accordingly Source: [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html), checked November 2026 - **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### Not confirmedWho carries out the lockout Not confirmed — check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### Not confirmedPaying to stop the case Not confirmed — check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Not confirmed — check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. The removal order can be carried out only in the daytime (Code section 648.20). ### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027 The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer. | Stage | Earliest date | | --- | --- | | Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 | | Answer or appear | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | | Hearing or trial | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | | Judgment | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | | Writ or warrant of possession | Thursday, March 4, 2027 | More: [Iowa eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-iowa) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=ia) ## Deposit disputes: small claims - ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $6,500: the most a small claims case can ask for.The total claim can't be more than $6,500, not counting interest and court costs.Filing fee to start a case: $115. Source: [Iowa Judicial Branch: Instructions for Filing a Small Claims Action for Money Judgment](https://www.iowacourts.gov/browse/files/cc85952321f54914bf6ba14535b8ac9d/download), checked November 2026 More: [Iowa small claims court](/tools/small-claims-iowa) ## Still to confirm - Writ to lockout: check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html) - Who carries out the lockout: check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html) - Paying to stop the case: check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html) - Diversion or mediation (statewide): check [Iowa Legislature: Iowa Code Chapter 648, Forcible Entry and Detainer (2026)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/648.html) General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word. ## Common questions **How much can a security deposit be in Iowa?** No more than two months' rent (562A.12(1)). **How long does a Iowa landlord have to return a deposit?** Within 30 days from the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions: the deposit, or a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding (562A.12(3)). What goes with it: A written statement showing the specific reason for withholding (562A.12(3)). Missing it forfeits the right to withhold (562A.12(4)). **How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Iowa?** From the landlord: Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. From the tenant: Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. **What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Iowa?** 3 days after written notice of nonpayment. **How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Iowa?** At least 24 hours' notice and reasonable times, except emergencies or where impracticable. **How long does an eviction case take in Iowa?** Time to answer or appear: At the hearing. Hearing after filing: 3 to 8 days. Judgment to writ: Up to 3 days. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer. **What does it cost to file an eviction case in Iowa?** $115, collected when you file electronically. Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords) ## Keep rental records in order [Bookkeeping for small landlords](/bookkeeping/for/small-landlords)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)