Iowa Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Types (7)

Association of Realtors

The Iowa Association of Realtors standard form, usable as either a 1-year fixed-term lease or an ongoing month-to-month agreement.

Commercial

For renting retail, office, warehouse, or other non-residential property to a business for a fixed term.

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

Combines elements of a standard lease and a purchase agreement, giving the tenant the option to buy the property when the lease expires.

Month-to-Month

An ongoing tenancy with no set end date that can be canceled by either party with 30 days’ written notice.

Roommate (PDF)

Covers day-to-day living arrangements among people sharing a rental, including rent splits, chores, and guest rules.

Standard (Residential)

A year-to-year contract between a landlord and tenant for a residential dwelling, compliant with Iowa’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law.

Sublease (PDF)

Allows a tenant to rent out all or part of their leased property to another person for the remaining term, provided the landlord permits it.

What is an Iowa Lease Agreement?

An Iowa lease agreement is a contract covering what both the landlord and tenant are responsible for during a rental. It sets out the rent, permitted uses of the property, maintenance duties, and the process for ending the tenancy.

Iowa gives tenants a repair-and-deduct right: if a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after written notice, the tenant may arrange the work and subtract the cost from the next rent payment. The state also prohibits retaliatory actions by landlords against tenants who exercise their legal rights.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: Iowa Code Chapter 562A – Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law

Guides:

• Iowa Legislative Services Agency – Landlord-Tenant Law Guide (PDF)
• HOME, Inc – Rental Handbook for Landlords and Tenants (PDF)

When is Rent Due?

Unless the lease specifies otherwise, rent is payable in equal monthly installments at the beginning of each month. For terms of 1 month or less, rent is due at the start of the lease term.[1] There is no state-mandated grace period. Late fees are capped at $12 per day (maximum $60 per month) when monthly rent is $700 or less, and $20 per day (maximum $100 per month) when rent exceeds $700.[8]

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords may enter the rental unit without notice in an emergency.[2]

Non-Emergency: Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering and may only do so during reasonable hours. Entry is limited to purposes such as inspections, repairs, and showing the unit to prospective tenants.[2]

Landlord’s Duties

Under Iowa law, landlords must:[3]

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety.
• Habitability: Maintain the rental unit in a fit and habitable condition.
• Common Areas: Keep shared spaces clean and safe.
• Systems: Maintain all provided appliances and systems in safe working order.
• Trash: Provide access to garbage containers or disposal services.
• Running Water: Supply constant running water, reasonable hot water, and heat (unless controlled by the tenant or not required by law).

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:[4]

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes relating to health and safety.
• Cleanliness: Keep the rental unit clean and safe.
• Trash: Dispose of garbage and rubbish in a safe manner.
• Appliances & Systems: Use all fixtures, appliances, and systems in a reasonable manner as intended.
• Property Care: Do not damage, deface, or alter any part of the premises.
• Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb neighbors’ right to peaceful enjoyment of their rental.

Required Disclosures

Names and Addresses (§ 562A.13): The landlord or authorized representative must provide their name and address in writing at or before the start of the tenancy.[5]

Utility Rates (§ 562A.13(4)): Before signing the lease, the landlord must explain all utility rates, charges, and services to the tenant. This is not required if the tenant pays utilities directly to the provider.[5]

Environmental Liability (§ 562A.13(6)): If the property is listed in the federal EPA’s CERCLIS database, the landlord must disclose this in writing before the lease begins.[5]

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[6]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 2 months’ rent.[7]

Holding Requirements: The deposit must be held in a federally insured bank or credit union and cannot be commingled with the landlord’s personal funds.[7]

Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenancy ending. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide a written statement explaining the deductions.[7]

Deposit Interest: The landlord may keep all interest earned on the deposit for the first 5 years of the tenancy. After 5 years, interest must be paid to the tenant.[7]

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[7]

• Unpaid rent or other charges owed under the lease
• Restoring the unit to its original condition, excluding normal wear and tear
• Costs resulting from the tenant’s failure to comply with the rental agreement