Landlord kept your deposit? Entered without notice? Threatening eviction? Describe what happened in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send letters — specific to Iowa law.
Get My Iowa Action Plan — Free to StartIowa Code §562A.12 requires the deposit back within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address, with a written list of any deductions. Landlords must give 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. Iowa is one of the few states that caps late fees with a tiered formula tied to the rent amount. Lockouts and utility shutoffs are barred by §562A.26, and evictions go through the courts.
30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
Landlords must generally give 24-hour notice before entering, except in emergencies.
No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.
Iowa Legal Aid at 1-800-532-1503. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.