An Iowa Rental Application helps landlords vet prospective tenants before entering into a rental agreement. The document allows property owners to gather information regarding an applicant’s employment, finances, credit history, criminal background, and rental history, including any previous evictions.
Laws
- Application Fee – Non-refundable
- Application Fee Limits – No limits (no statute)
- Security Deposit – Iowa security deposits cannot exceed two months’ rent
Application Fees
In Iowa, landlords are unrestricted in the amount they can charge for rental application fees, which are non-refundable. These fees, determined by landlords, cover costs like background checks but should reflect the actual expenses involved in processing the application, as Iowa statutes do not cap them.
Fair Housing Protections
It’s unfair and discriminatory if anyone involved in housing or real estate, such as real estate agents, lawyers, auctioneers, or those acting under legal authority, does any of the following based on a person’s race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or family status [1] :
- Refuse to sell, rent, or negotiate for housing.
- Discriminate in the terms or services related to housing transactions.
- Advertise or imply that people of certain backgrounds aren’t welcome.
- Discriminate against guests of the housing occupants based on their backgrounds.
Security Deposits
In Iowa, landlords can request a security deposit to cover potential damages or unpaid rent, which cannot exceed two months’ rent [2] .
Key guidelines for handling security deposits in Iowa include:
- Separate Account: Landlords must deposit security deposits in a separate, FDIC-insured, interest-bearing account, safeguarding the tenant’s money.
- Return Timeline: Upon a tenant vacating, the deposit must be returned within 30 days, with any deductions for damages or unpaid rent listed in detail [3] .
- Interest: Although not explicitly required to be returned to the tenant, the interest earned on the deposit reflects the intent of keeping these funds distinguishable and secure.
Providing a receipt for the security deposit, while not mandated, is considered best practice to ensure clarity and prevent disputes.
Pet Deposits
Landlords are permitted to charge a separate pet security deposit in Iowa, as long as it’s in a reasonable amount. However, no deposit may be collected for certified service or assistance animals.
Sample
Below is an example of a standard Iowa rental application form. You may download it or use our document builder to create a customized rental application.
