Landlord Tenant Issues

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Landlord Tenant Issues

Landlord–tenant law is a part of the common law that details the rights and duties of landlords and tenants.

Iowa Find-A-LawyerJul 20, 2017

Summary of Iowa Landlord and Tenant Law

Summary of Iowa Landlord and Tenant Law | Iowa Legal Aid Iowa Landlord and Tenant Act applies to rental agreements for most houses or apartments. It does not cover all situations. A rental agreement is the understanding between the landlord and tenant. It may be in writing or oral. See other articles posted on this website and the Iowa Legal Aid publication A Guide to Landlord Tenant Law in Iowa for more details about landlord and tenant law.

Duties of Landlords (Iowa Code 562A.15)

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By: Iowa Legal Aid

Raising Your Rent

Raising Your Rent | Iowa Legal Aid Are there rules about how or when my landlord can increase my rent payment?

If you have signed a rental agreement for a set period of time (for example, six months or a year), your landlord can't raise your rent during that time period.
If you rent month-to-month, your landlord must give you notice in writing that there will be an increase in your rent. Your landlord must give you this notice at least 30 days before the increase happens.
Remember, refusing to pay rent can put you at risk of eviction. If your landlord unlawfully raises the rent, you should consult with a lawyer. 

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By: Iowa Legal Aid

How Do I Get My Landlord to Make Repairs?

How Do I Get My Landlord to Make Repairs? | Iowa Legal Aid Most people know if you are a tenant and don’t pay the rent, your landlord can evict you. But what can a tenant do if the landlord doesn’t make needed repairs? Some people think a tenant can legally withhold the rent whenever a landlord fails to make repairs. Not paying rent can create problems for a tenant in addition to needing repairs to the house or apartment.

 
What can happen if rent is withheld?
You might be evicted if you don’t pay the rent even if your landlord failed to make repairs.  Withholding rent is always risky. You don’t know whether a judge will agree that the problem was so bad that you had the right to withhold the rent. At the same time, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to make repairs or shut off utilities because a tenant is behind on the rent.

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By: Iowa Legal Aid

 

Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent

Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent | Iowa Legal Aid Information about the eviction process.

"This month, I couldn't pay my rent on time.  I just got a call from my landlord who said I have 3 days to get out but I have nowhere else to go.  What can I do?"

"This month, I couldn't pay my rent on time.  I just got a call from my landlord who said I have 3 days to get out but I have nowhere else to go.  What can I do?"

A tenant who does not pay rent on time may get a notice from the landlord.  Iowa law requires:

The notice must be in writing.
The notice has to say the lease will end if rent is not paid within 3 days.
The notice has to be properly served to you.
This 3-day period gives you a "right to cure" by paying the rent within those 3 days.
If you pay the full amount of rent in 3 days, the landlord cannot legally evict you. the rent. At the same time, it is illegal for a landlord to refuse to make repairs or shut off utilities because a tenant is behind on the rent.

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By: Iowa Legal Aid

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