Iowa Security Deposit Deductions
In Iowa, deposit deductions are limited to the uses in the supplied statute. The landlord must give an itemized statement within 30 days. The record does not include a statutory definition of wear and tear. Ordinary wear is not a lawful charge. The table lists each supplied item rule and citation.
Wear and tear in this record
The supplied Iowa record does not include a statutory definition of wear and tear. Normal wear and tear is the expected aging of a rental from ordinary living, such as faded paint or carpet worn from walking. Damage is harm beyond that ordinary use, such as a large stain, a burn, or a hole. A landlord can usually charge for tenant-caused damage. A landlord cannot charge for ordinary wear.
Item rules
| Item | Allowed | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Conditional | The landlord may withhold only amounts reasonably necessary (1) to remedy default in rent or other funds due under the rental agreement; (2) to restore the dwelling unit to its condition at the commencement of the tenancy, ordinary wear and tear excepted; or (3) to recover expenses of acquiring possession from a tenant who does not act in good faith in failing to surrender. Cleaning is therefore only the amount reasonably necessary to restore to commencement condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)) |
| Carpet replacement | Not stated | No item-specific rule; the general standard applies. No rule specific to this item. A deduction is lawful only for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or for amounts the deposit statute allows (Iowa Code § 562A.12). (Iowa Code § 562A.12) |
| Painting | Not stated | No item-specific rule; the general standard applies. No rule specific to this item. A deduction is lawful only for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or for amounts the deposit statute allows (Iowa Code § 562A.12). (Iowa Code § 562A.12) |
| Nail holes and wall damage | Not stated | No item-specific rule; the general standard applies. No rule specific to this item. A deduction is lawful only for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or for amounts the deposit statute allows (Iowa Code § 562A.12). (Iowa Code § 562A.12) |
| Pet damage | Not stated | No item-specific rule; the general standard applies. No rule specific to this item. A deduction is lawful only for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or for amounts the deposit statute allows (Iowa Code § 562A.12). (Iowa Code § 562A.12) |
| Unpaid rent and fees | Yes | The landlord may withhold amounts reasonably necessary to remedy a tenant’s default in the payment of rent or of other funds due to the landlord pursuant to the rental agreement. (Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a)(1)) |
Itemization duty
| Itemization required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 30 days |
| Receipts required | No |
| Rule | Within 30 days from termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit or furnish a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding. If withheld for restoration, the statement shall specify the nature of the damages. Failure to provide the statement forfeits all rights to withhold any portion. Receipts are not required. |
| Citation | Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) - (4) |
Burden of proof
In an action concerning the rental deposit, the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, the reason for withholding all or any portion of the rental deposit shall be on the landlord. Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(b).
Statute says
A landlord who fails to provide a written statement within thirty days of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions shall forfeit all rights to withhold any portion
What this means
Source accessed: .
If it was deducted anyway
Use the Iowa demand letter page to ask for the itemized statement and the return of any amount that bills ordinary wear. Cite only a rule listed on this page.
Free Iowa template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Iowa law (Iowa Code § 562A.12), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions.
FAQ
What security deposit deductions are allowed in Iowa?
Only the uses in the supplied Iowa record. The table on this page lists each item with its rule and citation. A general wear-and-tear row is not an item-specific statute.
Does a Iowa landlord have to itemize deductions?
Yes. Within 30 days from termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit or furnish a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding. If withheld for restoration, the statement shall specify the nature of the damages. Failure to provide the statement forfeits all rights to withhold any portion. Receipts are not required.
Who has the burden of proof for a Iowa deduction?
In an action concerning the rental deposit, the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, the reason for withholding all or any portion of the rental deposit shall be on the landlord. Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)(b).