Sample Iowa Residential Lease Agreement
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Iowa-Standard-1-Year-Residential-Lease-Agreement-Template.pdf
Iowa
Rental Application Form – This form is used by Landlords to get consent from potential Tenants to run a background and credit check.
Purchase Agreement – The contract becomes a purchase agreement if the Tenant decides to buy the property.
Sample Iowa Rent-to-Own Lease Option Agreement
Laws ⚖️
Source
Sample Iowa Month-to-Month Lease Agreement
Rental Application Fees
Any amount for the application fee. There are no statutes mandating application fees in Iowa.
Security Deposit Amount
Maximum amount – Two (2) months’ rent is the maximum amount Landlords can request from Tenants in Iowa. [1]
Sample Iowa Rental Application
PDF / WORD / XLSX / OpenDocument Text
Source
Tenant Right to Sublet
- Tenants can sublease as long as their lease says otherwise. A Landlord Consent Form makes is used to get approval in writing. The landlord can deny a sublease in Iowa for a reasonable reason. [1]
Short-Term Lodgings Tax Rules
Definition
offered for a fee for thirty days or less. [2]
Short-term / 30-days
Short-term rentals are not subject to sales tax but must pay:
- 5% State Hotel Tax 3
- Additional Local Taxes (vary by location)
Taxes are submitted electronically via GovConnect.Iowa.gov. [3]
Sources
Example Iowa Sublease Agreement PDF
Sample Iowa Association of Realtors Residential Lease Agreement
Rental Application – In Iowa, landlords can request a rental application before signing the lease agreement to verify the potential tenant’s background, finances, and rental history.
By Type (7)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
Download: PDF | Word (.docx)
What the Iowa Residential Lease Agreement covers?
The form follows Iowa’s Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 562A), requiring landlords to keep the property safe and tenants to pay rent on time. Security deposits must be returned within 30 days, minus damages. Evictions need proper notice, and tenants have the right to a safe home and notice of rent increases.
- Security Deposit Law
- Lease Termination
- Landlord’s Access to Property
- Rent Payment Due Dates and Late Fees
- Eviction Procedures
- Property Maintenance
- Tenant Rights
- Rent Control Laws
- Required Disclosure Forms
Security Deposit Law
Summary (Chapter 562A.12): Iowa law regulates how landlords handle security deposits:
- 30 Days – Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after the tenant moves out.
- Itemized Deductions – Any deductions from the deposit must be itemized and provided to the tenant.
- Max Amount – Two (2) months rent.
Lease Termination
Summary (Chapter 562A.34): Iowa law outlines the conditions under which leases can be terminated:
- Landlord’s Right to Terminate
- 3-day notice for non-payment of rent.
- Reasonable time to fix other lease violations.
- Tenant’s Right to Terminate
- 30-day notice for month-to-month leases.
- Early termination in cases of domestic violence with proper documentation.
Landlord’s Access to Property
Summary (Chapter 562A.19): Iowa landlords must provide at least 24-hours’ notice before entering a rental property unless there is an emergency. In an emergency, landlords do not need to give notice to tenants.
Rent Payment Due Dates and Late Fees
Summary (§ 562A.9(3), § 562A.9(4): Iowa law does not specify a standard rent due date. Landlords can charge late fees if included in the lease agreement.
- Maximum Late Fee – Up to $12 per day or a total of $60 for monthly rent agreements. For monthly rent that is $700 or less, the maximum penalty amount is twelve dollars ($12) per day, with a monthly cap of sixty dollars ($60). If the monthly rent is more than $700, the maximum penalty amount is $20 per day, with a monthly limit of $100.
- NSF Fees – Landlords can charge $30 for returned checks due to insufficient funds.
- Grace Period – 3-day notice to quit.
Eviction Procedures
Summary (Chapter 648): Landlords must give tenants proper notice before initiating eviction proceedings. Eviction cases must be filed in court if the tenant does not comply with the notice.
Property Maintenance
Summary: Landlords must maintain the rental property in a habitable condition. If repairs are not made in a reasonable timeframe, tenants may withhold rent or terminate the lease.
Tenant’s Rights
Summary: Tenants in Iowa have several rights, including:
- Right to Privacy – Landlords must respect tenant privacy and provide adequate notice before entering the rental unit.
- Right to a Safe Home – Tenants are entitled to live in a safe and habitable residence.
- Protection from Retaliation – Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who report safety violations or code issues.
Rent Control Laws
Summary: Iowa does not have any statewide rent control laws, allowing landlords to set rental prices based on the market.
Required Disclosure Forms (4)
Summary : Iowa landlords must provide the following disclosures to tenants:
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (hud.gov) – Required for properties built before 1978.
- Landlord/Manager Contact Information (§ 562A.15) – Mailing address and contact details for property management in order to send and receive notices.
- Shared Utilities Disclosure (§ 562A.13)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Liability Information System Disclosure (CERCLA) (EPA.gov)
Sample Iowa Residential Lease Agreement
An Iowa lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and tenant for renting property. The tenant agrees to pay monthly rent and maintain the property, while the landlord performs a credit check and verifies income before signing the lease.
Rental Application – A rental application is a document that landlords and managers use to verify the identity of a potential tenant and check the accuracy of the information provided.
Most Recent US Home Facts
- Population (2023): 334,914,895
- Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
- Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
- Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
This Agreement Form Must Include the Following
Required Disclosures (4)
- Agent/Landlord Identification
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
- Shared Utilities
- Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System
Security Deposits
Maximum Amount – The Landlord is prohibited from imposing a security deposit exceeding two months’ rent.
Return – It is required by law that landlords return the tenant’s deposit within a period of 30 days following their move-out date. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in legal action.
Source: § 562A.12(3)(a)
Paying Rent
Grace Period – Rent must be paid on the agreed-upon date by the landlord and tenant in Iowa. In the absence of a rent grace period, the landlord may issue a 3-day notice to quit if the rent is not paid.
Late Fees – Failure to make timely rent payments may lead to a penalty. The amount of the penalty is determined by the monthly rent due and is categorized into two tiers. In the event that the monthly rent is $700 or less, the maximum penalty is $12 per day, with a monthly cap of $60. However, if the monthly rent exceeds $700, the maximum penalty is $20 per day, with a monthly limit of $100. It is essential to ensure that rent payments are made on time to avoid incurring penalties.
NSF Fee – $25 per bounced rent check.
Source: § 562A.9(3), § 562A.9(4)
Right to Enter
It is mandatory for the landlord to provide a 24-hour notice prior to entering the premises for non-emergency reasons, such as maintenance or inspection.
Source: § 562A.19(3)
Sample
Commercial Lease Application – Before renting a property to any individual or business entity, landlords highly recommend using a lease application to screen applicants.
Form Options By Type
 Standard Residential Lease Agreement
Download: PDF |
 Simple (1-Page) Lease Agreement
Download: PDF |
When Does a Commercial Lease Agreement Become Legally Binding?
The Commercial Lease Agreement becomes legally binding when both parties sign the contract and the buyer gets the notice that the seller has accepted the deal. The buyer can get the notice in-person, by phone, and/or email.
Iowa Standard Commercial Lease Agreement: Sample
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Iowa-Standard-Commercial-Lease-Agreement-1.pdf
This Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale details the agreed-upon price and condition of the vehicle. Iowa often requires it when transferring a vehicle’s title from the previous owner to the new purchaser. The new owner can use this documentation to officially register the car under their name. Must include the Odometer Disclosure Statement Form.
Type of Sale
Where to Register Vehicle
Iowa Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Form Sample
https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Iowa-Motor-Vehicle-Bill-of-Sale-Form.pdf