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By Type
Pay or Quit – Notifies the tenant that rent is past due. It explains the consequences of nonpayment.
Cure or Quit – Used when lease terms are violated. The tenant may fix the issue to avoid eviction.
Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a monthly rental agreement. Notice must be given in advance.
Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Applies when illegal conduct occurs at the rental. Eviction may follow quickly.
Eviction Laws
- Rent Grace Period: Not statutorily defined.
- Non-Payment of Rent: 3 days.[1]
- Non-Compliance: 7 days.[2]
- Termination (Month-to-Month Lease): 30 days.[3]
- Eviction Lawsuit Type: Forcible Entry and Detainer.[4]
Prohibited Landlord Actions in Iowa
- Utility Shutoff – A landlord may not willfully interrupt or shut off a tenant’s utility services. Doing so can result in liability for damages owed to the tenant.[5]
- Changing the Locks – A landlord may not remove or exclude a tenant from the rental unit outside of the court process. Lockouts or similar actions can also subject the landlord to damages.[5]
How to Evict a Tenant in Iowa (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Serve the Required Notice
Before filing in court, the landlord must give the tenant written notice describing the violation and allowing the proper amount of time to respond. Depending on the situation, the landlord may use:
- 3-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Payment of Rent)
- 3-Day Notice to Quit (Clear and Present Danger)
- 7-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Compliance)
- 30-Day Notice to Quit (Month-to-Month Tenancy)
Notice may be served by personal service, signed receipt by an adult at the residence, or posting and mailing by certified mail.
Step 2: File a Forcible Entry and Detainer Action
If the tenant does not comply within the notice period, the landlord may file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in small claims court. Iowa requires eviction cases to be filed electronically through the Iowa Judicial Branch eFiling system. A confidential information sheet must also be submitted.
- Filing fee: $95.[6]
Step 3: Serve the Tenant
After filing, the landlord must ensure the tenant is properly served with the court papers. Service may be completed through formal service of process, adult acceptance at the residence, or posting and mailing by certified mail.
Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing
The court typically schedules a hearing within eight days of filing. The landlord should bring proof of service for both the notice to quit and the court documents. If the judge rules in the landlord’s favor, the tenant must vacate the property. A tenant who disagrees with the decision may appeal by filing a Notice of Appeal (Form 3.26).
Court Forms & Resources
- Forcible Entry and Detainer Complaint – Filed when a tenant fails to comply with a notice to quit. This document starts the eviction case in small claims court and is served on the tenant.
- Verification of Account – Confirms the amount owed, verifies attached documents, and states whether the tenant is in military service.
- Appearance and Answer of Defendant – Allows the tenant to admit or deny the landlord’s allegations and contest the eviction.
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