An Iowa sublease agreement allows a tenant to lease their rental to someone else (known as a “subtenant”). If a tenant in Iowa needs to break their lease early but doesn’t want to lose their security deposit, one option is through a sublease.
It’s completely legal to sublet a property or part of a property in Iowa. Under an Iowa sublease agreement, the original lease remains in effect, so the original tenant needs to continue paying the property’s owner for the duration of the lease.
Note that if the subtenant doesn’t pay rent or breaks the terms of either the sublease or the lease, the original tenant is responsible. If you want to sublet your rental, make sure you trust the person you’re subletting to before signing the sublease agreement.
If you’re an Iowa resident interested in this type of agreement, download our free Iowa sublease to begin. Then use the steps below to fill it out.
Free Template Download
Download this blank and fillable Iowa sublease agreement form into MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF. To save time and ensure everything is filled out correctly, we recommend using our free Iowa sublease agreement builder or reading our steps on how to write an Iowa sublease agreement below.
Download: MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF
How to Write an Iowa Sublease Agreement
- Download the Iowa Sublease Agreement form — This form will make it easy to tell which sections are necessary in a formal sublease agreement.
- Write the sublessor’s name — As the original tenant, it’s important that the sublessor clearly indicates that they approve of the sublease happening. The sublessor’s address must also be included to ensure the subtenant knows where to send rent money each month.
- Write the sublessee’s name — As the person subleasing the property, it’s also important to indicate who is responsible for paying rent to the original tenant each month. Include the address of the property where the sublessee prefers to receive notifications (usually the address of the property they’re subleasing).
- Write the property’s address — In the event it hasn’t been included yet, make sure to specify the address of the rental property. If it’s an apartment with a unit number, put that number in the designated space.
- Identify the term length of the sublease — This is the period of time the sublease will remain in effect, including the start and end dates. If the sublease is on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis, make it clear when the original lease will expire — subleases cannot go past the original lease’s expiration date.
- Record how much the sublessee will pay for rent — Also add the day of the month when the rent is due, and include the security deposit plus late fees if applicable.
- Add the name of the person the sublessee is paying — This is usually the original tenant who signed as the sublessor, but it may be someone else if they prefer.
- Add any additional terms and conditions that need to be included in the lease — If the original tenant doesn’t want the subtenant to smoke, have pets, etc., those rules should be outlined in the sublease. Additionally, any restrictions on what the subtenant can use on the property (laundry machine, bathrooms, parking spaces, etc.) should also be listed.
- Have the sublessor and sublessee sign the document — If one of the tenants is under the age of 18, their parent or guardian must also sign the sublease agreement.
- Attach a copy of the original lease — The subtenant is bound to the terms of both the original lease and sublease, so attaching a copy helps clarify all other limitations and rules the subtenant should be familiar with.
Iowa Sublease Laws
You should check your original lease agreement to see if you’re allowed to sublet your apartment. It’s recommended that a tenant receive written permission from their landlord before subletting in Indiana. Once you’ve filled out an Iowa sublease agreement, you will be responsible for your subtenant and liable for any violations of the original lease.
A sublessor must honor the terms of the sublease agreement (as well as the original lease) and follow all Iowa laws regarding the eviction process, security deposits, and all other landlord-tenant matters.
Iowa Landlord-Tenant Laws: Chapter 562A of the Iowa Code (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law)
In Iowa, a sublessor must:
- Give a subtenant three days (3) written notice to pay rent or leave
- Return the security deposit within thirty days (30) of the end of the sublease
- Provide thirty days (30) written notice of your intent to not renew the sublease and/or original lease
Iowa Sublease FAQs
Is subleasing allowed under Iowa landlord tenant law?
Yes, subleasing is allowed under Iowa landlord tenant law. You can sublease any rental as long as the original lease doesn’t forbid it. The law in Iowa doesn’t require prior written approval. However, to stay on the best possible terms with your landlord, formally notifying them via certified mail is a good idea.
Does a landlord have to give permission for an Iowa sublease?
No, Iowa law doesn’t require the landlord to give written permission, but asking is the best way to avoid future conflict with your landlord in the event something goes wrong with the sublease. Also, tenants need to check their original leases to ensure they have permission to enter into a sublease agreement.
Who pays the landlord in an Iowa sublease?
The original tenant remains responsible for making sure the rent is given to the landlord. The subtenant will pay the sublessor, who will then pay their own landlord.
