An Iowa standard lease agreement is a legally binding contract detailing the terms and conditions for the rental of residential properties.
It covers lease duration specifics, rental payment arrangements, guidelines concerning security deposits, utility agreements, applicable pet policies, termination procedures, and potential lease renewal or extension provisions.
Considerations on Lease Length
- In Iowa, leases can be of any length as long as the duration of the lease is specific and agreed upon in writing by both the landlord and tenant. Oral leases are generally limited to a term of not more than one year.
- If a tenant holds over or stays in the rental unit after the term expires, the lease converts to a month-to-month tenancy.
- If a rental agreement does not have a definite term, the tenancy defaults to week-to-week for a tenant who pays weekly rent, and in all other cases, it defaults to month-to-month (Iowa Code §562A.9).
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): Two months’ rent (Iowa Code § 562A.12(1))
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a))
Rent Grace Period
There is no rent grace period for rent payments.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code § 562A).
- Handbook – Legislative Guide to Landlord-Tenant Law.
