IOWA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
(Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - Iowa Code Ch. 562A)
This Residential Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of [[Agreement Date]] by and between:
Landlord: [[Landlord Full Legal Name or Entity Name]], with a mailing address of [[Landlord Address, City, State, ZIP]] ("Landlord"); and
Tenant(s): [[Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]], [[Tenant 2 Full Legal Name (if applicable)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant").
Landlord and Tenant agree as follows.
1. DEFINITIONS
"Premises" means the dwelling unit and any assigned parking or storage described in Section 2. "Rent" means all amounts due under this Agreement. "Lease Term" means the period in Section 3. "Security Deposit" means funds held pursuant to Iowa Code § 562A.12.
2. PREMISES; PARKING; STORAGE
Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at:
[[Full Property Address, Unit Number, City, County, Iowa, ZIP Code]] (the "Premises").
Assigned parking: [[Parking Space(s) Description / "None"]]
Storage area: [[Storage Description / "None"]]
Included appliances and furnishings: [[List appliances - e.g., "refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer" / "none beyond built-in fixtures"]]
Tenant has examined the Premises and accepts them in their current condition, except as noted in the Move-In Inspection Checklist (Exhibit A). The Premises shall be used solely as a private residential dwelling.
3. TERM; POSSESSION; HOLDOVER
3.1 Lease Term. The Lease Term is [[Duration, e.g., "twelve (12) months"]], beginning [[Start Date]] and ending [[End Date]].
3.2 Possession. If Landlord cannot deliver possession on the Start Date, Rent abates proportionally until delivery. If Landlord cannot deliver possession within [[5/7/10]] days, Tenant may terminate this Agreement and receive a full refund of all prepaid amounts.
3.3 Holdover. If Tenant remains after the End Date:
- With Landlord's written or implied (rent acceptance) consent: the tenancy converts to month-to-month, terminable by 30 days' written notice by either party. (Iowa Code § 562A.34.)
- Without Landlord's consent: Tenant is a holdover tenant liable for [[150% / other stated rate]] of the monthly Rent pro-rated on a daily basis, plus any resulting damages to Landlord.
4. RENT; PAYMENT
4.1 Monthly Rent. Tenant shall pay monthly Rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]] ([[Written Amount]] dollars), due in advance on the [[1st / other]] day of each calendar month, without offset, deduction, or demand.
4.2 Payment Method. Rent is payable by:
- [ ] Check or money order payable to [[Payee Name]] at [[Address]]
- [ ] Online portal: [[URL / Platform]]
- [ ] Electronic transfer to: [[Account Details]]
- [ ] Other: [[Describe]]
4.3 Proration. If the Start Date is not the first day of a month, the first payment is prorated on a 30-day basis.
4.4 Receipt. Landlord shall provide a written receipt upon request for any cash payment.
5. LATE FEES; RETURNED PAYMENTS
5.1 Grace Period and Late Fee. Rent is late if not received by the [[5th]] day of the month. A late fee of $[[Late Fee Amount, e.g., "$10" or "a reasonable estimate of actual costs"]] applies to rent received after that date. Iowa law does not set a statutory cap on late fees, but fees must be reasonable and disclosed in the lease.
5.2 Iowa Statutory Grace Period. Iowa Code § 562A.27(1) provides that a landlord may not serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit until after the 5th day following the rent due date (i.e., there is an implicit 5-day grace period before a pay-or-quit notice may be served).
5.3 Returned Payment Fee. A fee of $[[Returned Payment Fee, e.g., "$30"]] applies to any returned or dishonored check or electronic payment.
6. SECURITY DEPOSIT
6.1 Amount and Cap. Upon signing, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]]. Under Iowa Code § 562A.12(1), the security deposit shall not exceed 2 months' rent. (For a monthly rent of $[[Monthly Rent]], the maximum deposit is $[[2x Monthly Rent]].)
6.2 Permitted Uses. The security deposit may be applied to:
(a) Unpaid rent and other amounts owed under this Agreement;
(b) Costs to repair damage to the Premises beyond ordinary wear and tear;
(c) Cleaning costs to restore the Premises to the move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted); and
(d) Any other amounts Tenant owes under this Agreement or applicable law.
6.3 Return Deadline. Within 30 days after Tenant vacates the Premises and returns all keys (or the date the rental agreement terminates, whichever is later), Landlord shall:
(a) Return the security deposit in full; OR
(b) Provide Tenant with an itemized written statement of deductions and return any balance. (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3).)
6.4 Penalty for Wrongful Withholding. If Landlord wrongfully withholds the security deposit and fails to provide the required itemized statement, Tenant may sue to recover the deposit, punitive damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees. (Iowa Code § 562A.12(8).)
6.5 No Interest Required. Iowa does not require Landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
6.6 Not Last Month's Rent. Tenant may not apply the security deposit to the last month's rent without Landlord's prior written consent.
7. UTILITIES AND SERVICES
7.1 Tenant-Paid Utilities. Tenant shall obtain and pay for the following utilities in Tenant's name effective on the Start Date: [[e.g., "electricity, natural gas, cable/internet, telephone"]]
7.2 Landlord-Paid Utilities. Landlord shall pay for: [[e.g., "water, sewer, trash removal" or "none"]]
7.3 Utility Disclosure (Shared Metering). (If applicable.) [[Describe any utility billing arrangement under which Landlord charges Tenant for utilities via sub-metering or ratio utility billing.]]
8. OCCUPANTS AND GUESTS
8.1 Authorized Occupants. The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and: [[Names of additional authorized occupants / "Tenant only"]]
8.2 Guest Policy. A guest staying more than [[14 / 7]] consecutive days, or more than [[30]] days in any 12-month period, without Landlord's prior written consent, constitutes an unauthorized occupant and a material breach of this Agreement.
9. USE OF PREMISES; CONDUCT
Tenant shall use the Premises solely as a private residential dwelling; shall not conduct any illegal activity; shall not create a nuisance; and shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and Landlord's House Rules (Exhibit B, if any). Iowa has not legalized recreational cannabis as of June 2026. Cannabis cultivation or use is prohibited on the Premises.
10. PETS; ASSISTANCE ANIMALS
10.1 Pet Policy. [[Select: "No pets of any kind are permitted on the Premises" / "The following pets are permitted: [Description]" / "Pets permitted with a signed Pet Addendum and payment of a pet deposit of $[Amount]"]]
10.2 Pet Deposit. (If applicable.) $[[Pet Deposit Amount]] ([[refundable / non-refundable]]). The total of the security deposit and any refundable pet deposit must not exceed 2 months' rent. (Iowa Code § 562A.12(1).)
10.3 Assistance Animals. Landlord shall permit assistance animals as required by the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) and Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code § 216.8A).
11. SMOKING POLICY
[[Select: "No smoking of any substance is permitted anywhere on the Premises or within [25] feet of any entry" / "Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas" / other policy]]
12. PARKING AND VEHICLES
Only operable, registered vehicles may be parked in assigned spaces. Unauthorized or inoperable vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense after [[24/48-hour]] notice posted on the vehicle, unless immediate towing is required for safety or access reasons.
13. LANDLORD'S MAINTENANCE AND HABITABILITY OBLIGATIONS
13.1 Habitability. Landlord shall at all times maintain the Premises in a habitable condition. (Iowa Code § 562A.15.)
13.2 Specific Duties. Landlord shall:
(a) Comply with all applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;
(b) Maintain structural components (roof, floors, walls, foundation), electrical systems, plumbing, heating facilities, and Landlord-provided appliances in good and safe working order;
(c) Keep common areas of any multi-unit building reasonably clean and safe;
(d) Provide adequate waterproofing and weather protection;
(e) Provide working heating, air conditioning (if provided), and ventilation;
(f) Provide functioning plumbing and hot water; and
(g) Provide and maintain working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as required by law.
14. TENANT'S MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS
14.1 Tenant's Duties. Tenant shall: (Iowa Code § 562A.17.)
(a) Keep the Premises clean and free of waste, garbage, and sanitary hazards;
(b) Dispose of garbage and waste properly and in accordance with local ordinances;
(c) Properly use and operate all plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and other systems and appliances;
(d) Replace HVAC filters every [[30/60/90]] days;
(e) Replace light bulbs and smoke/CO-detector batteries as needed;
(f) Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any condition requiring repair;
(g) Prevent pest infestations to the extent within Tenant's control; and
(h) Not destroy, deface, damage, or remove any part of the Premises or Landlord's property.
14.2 Damage by Tenant. Tenant shall pay for repairs of all damage caused by Tenant's, occupants', or guests' negligence, misuse, or intentional conduct, beyond ordinary wear and tear.
15. REPAIR REQUESTS; ENTRY FOR REPAIRS
15.1 Routine Repairs. Tenant shall notify Landlord in writing of needed repairs at: [[Repair Contact Name, Address, Phone, Email, or Online Portal]].
15.2 Emergency Repairs. For emergencies (gas leak, burst pipe, fire, loss of heat in winter), Tenant shall contact [[Emergency Contact and Phone]] and 911 if life-threatening.
15.3 Landlord Response. Landlord shall respond and make required repairs within a reasonable time after receiving written notice. If Landlord fails to make a necessary repair within 14 days (or a shorter reasonable period for health/safety issues) after written notice, Tenant may have remedies under Iowa Code § 562A.24 (repair and deduct - limited to $300 or one-half month's rent, whichever is greater), or may terminate the lease under § 562A.23 if the breach is material and willful.
16. LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ENTRY
16.1 Notice Required. Landlord may enter the Premises to inspect, make repairs or improvements, supply agreed services, or show the Premises to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors, upon providing Tenant with at least 24 hours' advance notice. (Iowa Code § 562A.19.)
16.2 Emergency Entry. In case of a genuine emergency threatening life, health, or property, Landlord may enter without advance notice. (Iowa Code § 562A.19(3).)
16.3 Permitted Entry Hours. Non-emergency entry shall be made at reasonable times (customarily 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise agreed).
16.4 Tenant Consent. Tenant may consent to a shorter notice period for specific entry requests.
17. ALTERATIONS; FIXTURES; LOCKS
Tenant shall not make any alteration, addition, or improvement to the Premises (including painting, wallpaper, fixture installation, or lock replacement) without Landlord's prior written consent. Any improvements made with consent become Landlord's property unless agreed otherwise. Tenant shall not change any lock without providing Landlord with a key.
18. RENTER'S INSURANCE
Tenant [[is required to / is strongly encouraged to]] obtain and maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Coverage, e.g., "$100,000"]] throughout the Lease Term. Landlord's property insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or personal liability.
Each party waives all subrogation rights against the other to the extent covered by insurance.
19. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Except for damage or injury caused by Landlord's negligence or failure to maintain the Premises, Tenant shall assume responsibility for, and shall indemnify Landlord against, all claims arising from Tenant's use of the Premises or the acts or omissions of Tenant's household members or guests.
20. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet all or any portion of the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent. (Iowa Code § 562A.13.)
21. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
21.1 Tenant Default. Tenant is in default if: (a) Tenant fails to pay Rent when due; (b) Tenant materially breaches any other term of this Agreement; or (c) Tenant abandons the Premises.
21.2 Landlord's Notice Requirements. Before pursuing eviction, Landlord must serve the required notice: a 3-day notice to pay or quit (§ 562A.27(1)), a 7-day notice to cure or quit (§ 562A.27(2)), or another applicable notice per Iowa Code Ch. 562A. The 3-day notice may not be served until after the 5th day following the rent due date.
21.3 Eviction (Forcible Entry and Detainer). After expiration of the applicable notice period without cure or surrender, Landlord may file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in the Iowa District Court for [[County]] County. (Iowa Code Ch. 648.)
21.4 Landlord's Duty to Mitigate. Upon Tenant's default or abandonment, Landlord shall take reasonable steps to re-let the Premises to minimize damages. Tenant remains liable for unpaid rent and damages through the end of the Lease Term, reduced by amounts received from re-letting. (Iowa Code § 562A.29(3).)
21.5 No Self-Help. Landlord shall not engage in self-help eviction (lockouts, utility cutoffs, removal of Tenant's belongings). Self-help eviction is prohibited under Iowa Code § 562A.26.
21.6 Landlord Default. If Landlord materially breaches this Agreement (including failure to maintain habitability), Tenant shall provide written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure (not less than 14 days) before exercising any remedies, including termination or repair and deduct under Iowa Code §§ 562A.23-562A.24.
22. REQUIRED DISCLOSURES
22.1 Lead-Based Paint (Pre-1978 Properties). (42 U.S.C. § 4852d - federal requirement for housing built before 1978.)
- [ ] Not applicable - Premises built in [[Year, if 1978 or later]].
- [ ] Landlord has no knowledge of lead-based paint or hazards in the Premises.
- [ ] Landlord has knowledge of lead-based paint hazards: [[Describe.]]
- [ ] Tenant has received EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
22.2 Mold Disclosure. Landlord discloses any known mold conditions: [["None known" / Describe.]]
22.3 Radon. Iowa has among the highest radon levels in the United States. Iowa does not have a mandatory radon disclosure law for residential leases, but Landlord discloses: [["No radon testing has been conducted" / Attach test results if available.]] Tenant is encouraged to conduct independent radon testing. Contact the Iowa Radon Hotline (Iowa Department of Health and Human Services) for information.
22.4 Flood. Landlord discloses: [[Is the Premises in a FEMA-designated flood zone? Has it flooded in the past? State known facts.]]
22.5 Bed Bug History. Landlord [[is / is not]] aware of a current or past bedbug infestation at the Premises within the past 12 months.
22.6 Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Landlord has installed [[number]] smoke detector(s) and [[number]] carbon monoxide detector(s) in the Premises as required by Iowa Code § 100.18 (smoke detectors) and applicable local codes. Tenant shall test detectors at move-in, replace batteries, and notify Landlord of any malfunction.
23. MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER CLAUSE (SCRA)
A Tenant who is an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces may terminate this Agreement pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901 et seq., upon receiving permanent change-of-station orders or deployment orders for 90 or more days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to Landlord at least 30 days before the termination date.
24. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIONS
Iowa Code § 562A.27C provides protections for victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or stalking. A Tenant who is a victim may terminate the lease early upon providing written notice and qualifying documentation (a protective order, law enforcement report, or equivalent documentation) as specified in Iowa Code § 562A.27C. Both parties agree to comply with all applicable Iowa law on this subject.
25. NOTICES
All notices shall be in writing and delivered by: (a) personal delivery; (b) first-class U.S. mail; (c) certified mail; or (d) electronic mail (if agreed by both parties in writing). (Iowa Code § 562A.6.) Notices to Tenant: delivered to the Premises. Notices to Landlord: sent to [[Landlord Notice Address and Email]].
26. SUBORDINATION; ESTOPPEL
This Agreement is subject and subordinate to any existing or future mortgage or deed of trust on the Premises. Tenant shall execute a commercially reasonable estoppel certificate within [[10]] days of Landlord's request and shall attorn to any successor owner upon a transfer of title.
27. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
If more than one person is named as Tenant, each is jointly and severally liable for all obligations under this Agreement, including payment of the full amount of Rent and all other charges, regardless of what each Tenant personally uses or occupies.
28. WAIVER; NON-WAIVER
No failure or delay by either party to enforce any provision of this Agreement constitutes a waiver of that right. A waiver of one breach does not waive any subsequent or other breach.
29. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS; GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement (together with all Exhibits) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations and representations. No amendment is valid unless in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement is governed by the laws of Iowa, including Iowa Code Ch. 562A. Venue shall be in the Iowa District Court for [[County]] County, Iowa.
30. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
31. ATTORNEYS' FEES
In any legal action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs to the extent permitted by Iowa law.
EXHIBIT A - MOVE-IN INSPECTION CHECKLIST
(Complete at move-in; both parties sign.)
| Room / Area | Condition | Existing Damage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | [[Describe]] |
| Kitchen | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Bedroom 1 | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Bedroom 2 | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Bathroom(s) | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Appliances | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
| Exterior / Parking | [[Good / Fair / Poor]] | |
Landlord / Agent: ________________________ Date: ___________
Tenant: ________________________ Date: ___________
EXHIBIT B - HOUSE RULES (if any)
[[Enter applicable rules - noise curfews, recycling/garbage procedures, shared space policies, parking rules, guest policies, etc., or "None; see Agreement."]]
SIGNATURES
By signing below, the parties confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Agreement.
LANDLORD:
Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: [[Landlord Full Name / Authorized Representative Name]]
TENANT 1:
Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: [[Tenant 1 Full Name]]
TENANT 2 (if applicable):
Signature: ________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: [[Tenant 2 Full Name]]
SOURCES AND DISCLAIMER
Governing Statutes: Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Iowa Code Ch. 562A; § 562A.6 (notice delivery - personal or first-class mail); § 562A.12(1) (security deposit - 2-month maximum); § 562A.12(3) (deposit return - 30 days); § 562A.12(8) (punitive damages for wrongful withholding); § 562A.13 (assignment/subletting); § 562A.15 (landlord habitability); § 562A.17 (tenant duties); § 562A.19 (entry notice - 24 hours); § 562A.23 (tenant remedy - material noncompliance by landlord); § 562A.24 (repair and deduct); § 562A.26 (no self-help eviction); § 562A.27(1) (3-day pay-or-quit - 5-day grace period); § 562A.27(2) (7-day cure-or-quit); § 562A.27C (domestic violence early termination); § 562A.29(3) (landlord duty to mitigate); § 562A.34 (month-to-month - 30-day termination); § 562A.36 (retaliation prohibition); Iowa Code § 100.18 (smoke detectors); 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901 et seq. (SCRA); 42 U.S.C. § 4852d (lead-paint disclosure - pre-1978); 42 U.S.C. § 3604 and Iowa Code § 216.8A (Fair Housing - assistance animals). Iowa Code Ch. 648 (Forcible Entry and Detainer). As of: June 2026.
> TEMPLATE DISCLAIMER - NOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: This document is a template for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Iowa's URLTA and local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Consult a licensed Iowa attorney before executing any lease. Verify current deposit caps, notice periods, and statutory requirements before renting.
