Iowa Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only). Court: District Court (small claims). Limitation period listed in our state data: 10 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 99/99 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 30 days.
County court coverage and fees
99 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 99, No 0, Not verified 0
Deposit return deadlines
- 30 calendar days after from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions.
- 12 months after from the termination of the tenancy for tenant to provide mailing address or delivery instructions. if no mailing address or instructions within one year, rental deposit reverts to landlord and tenant forfeits rights to it.
From a letter to court
- Send an Iowa security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records. Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 30 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Iowa: 10 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Yes
Statewide filing fee: Small Claims $115 (Iowa Code § 631.6). Small Claims appeal of judgment $215.
How papers are served:
- certified mail by clerk
- constable or sheriff
Service fee: If you choose certified mail to serve defendant, you will be charged the $115.00 filing fee and an additional $20.00 for each party you wish to serve by certified mail.
Attorneys allowed: Yes
Appeal window: 20 days
Small Claims Includes: Money judgments, replevins, and FED actions that are $6,500 in damages or less $115 § 631.6
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.
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court (small claims) |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 10 years |
| Forwarding address required | Yes |
| Bad faith required | Yes |
| Itemization required | Yes |
What you can recover
failure to provide written statement within 30 days after termination and receipt of address = forfeit all rights to withhold any portion; bad-faith retention additionally subjects landlord to punitive damages not to exceed twice the monthly rental payment plus actual damages; court may award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing party in action on a rental agreement (deposit-dispute context per Iowa Supreme Court construction). Bad faith required: Yes.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polk County | Iowa District Court for Polk County - Small Claims, Des Moines | $6,500 | Statewide filing fee: $95 filing fee (Iowa Code §631.6; confirm current amount with the clerk), plus service costs. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Linn County | Iowa District Court for Linn County - Small Claims, Cedar Rapids | $6,500 | Statewide filing fee: $95 filing fee (Iowa Code §631.6; confirm current amount with the clerk), plus service costs. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Scott County | Iowa District Court for Scott County - Small Claims, Davenport | $6,500 | Statewide filing fee: $95 filing fee (Iowa Code §631.6; confirm current amount with the clerk), plus service costs. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Johnson County | Iowa District Court for Johnson County - Small Claims, Iowa City | $6,500 | Statewide filing fee: $95 filing fee (Iowa Code §631.6; confirm current amount with the clerk), plus service costs. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Black Hawk County | Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County - Small Claims, Waterloo | $6,500 | Statewide filing fee: $95 filing fee (Iowa Code §631.6; confirm current amount with the clerk), plus service costs. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Dallas County | Iowa District Court for Dallas County - Small Claims, Adel | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Woodbury County | Iowa District Court for Woodbury County - Small Claims, Sioux City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Story County | Iowa District Court for Story County - Small Claims, Nevada | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Dubuque County | Iowa District Court for Dubuque County - Small Claims, Dubuque | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Pottawattamie County | Iowa District Court for Pottawattamie County - Small Claims, Council Bluffs | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Warren County | Iowa District Court for Warren County - Small Claims, Indianola | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Clinton County | Iowa District Court for Clinton County - Small Claims, Clinton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Cerro Gordo County | Iowa District Court for Cerro Gordo County - Small Claims, Mason City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Muscatine County | Iowa District Court for Muscatine County - Small Claims, Muscatine | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Marshall County | Iowa District Court for Marshall County - Small Claims, Marshalltown | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Des Moines County | Iowa District Court for Des Moines County - Small Claims, Burlington | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Jasper County | Iowa District Court for Jasper County - Small Claims, Newton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Webster County | Iowa District Court for Webster County - Small Claims, Fort Dodge | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sioux County | Iowa District Court for Sioux County - Small Claims, Orange City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Wapello County | Iowa District Court for Wapello County - Small Claims, Ottumwa | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Marion County | Iowa District Court for Marion County - Small Claims, Knoxville | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Lee County | Iowa District Court for Lee County - Small Claims, Fort Madison | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Boone County | Iowa District Court for Boone County - Small Claims, Boone | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Plymouth County | Iowa District Court for Plymouth County - Small Claims, Le Mars | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Benton County | Iowa District Court for Benton County - Small Claims, Vinton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Bremer County | Iowa District Court for Bremer County - Small Claims, Waverly | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Washington County | Iowa District Court for Washington County - Small Claims, Washington | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Mahaska County | Iowa District Court for Mahaska County - Small Claims, Oskaloosa | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Jones County | Iowa District Court for Jones County - Small Claims, Anamosa | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Buena Vista County | Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County - Small Claims, Storm Lake | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Buchanan County | Iowa District Court for Buchanan County - Small Claims, Independence | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Carroll County | Iowa District Court for Carroll County - Small Claims, Carroll | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Winneshiek County | Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County - Small Claims, Decorah | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Jackson County | Iowa District Court for Jackson County - Small Claims, Maquoketa | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Henry County | Iowa District Court for Henry County - Small Claims, Mount Pleasant | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Fayette County | Iowa District Court for Fayette County - Small Claims, West Union | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Poweshiek County | Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County - Small Claims, Montezuma | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Cedar County | Iowa District Court for Cedar County - Small Claims, Tipton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Dickinson County | Iowa District Court for Dickinson County - Small Claims, Spirit Lake | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Delaware County | Iowa District Court for Delaware County - Small Claims, Manchester | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Madison County | Iowa District Court for Madison County - Small Claims, Winterset | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Clayton County | Iowa District Court for Clayton County - Small Claims, Elkader | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Tama County | Iowa District Court for Tama County - Small Claims, Toledo | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Clay County | Iowa District Court for Clay County - Small Claims, Spencer | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Hardin County | Iowa District Court for Hardin County - Small Claims, Eldora | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Iowa County | Iowa District Court for Iowa County - Small Claims, Marengo | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Crawford County | Iowa District Court for Crawford County - Small Claims, Denison | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Jefferson County | Iowa District Court for Jefferson County - Small Claims, Fairfield | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Page County | Iowa District Court for Page County - Small Claims, Clarinda | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Floyd County | Iowa District Court for Floyd County - Small Claims, Charles City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Hamilton County | Iowa District Court for Hamilton County - Small Claims, Webster City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Mills County | Iowa District Court for Mills County - Small Claims, Glenwood | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Harrison County | Iowa District Court for Harrison County - Small Claims, Logan | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Kossuth County | Iowa District Court for Kossuth County - Small Claims, Algona | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| O'Brien County | Iowa District Court for O'Brien County - Small Claims, Primghar | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Allamakee County | Iowa District Court for Allamakee County - Small Claims, Waukon | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Butler County | Iowa District Court for Butler County - Small Claims, Allison | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Cass County | Iowa District Court for Cass County - Small Claims, Atlantic | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Wright County | Iowa District Court for Wright County - Small Claims, Clarion | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Grundy County | Iowa District Court for Grundy County - Small Claims, Grundy Center | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Lyon County | Iowa District Court for Lyon County - Small Claims, Rock Rapids | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Appanoose County | Iowa District Court for Appanoose County - Small Claims, Centerville | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Union County | Iowa District Court for Union County - Small Claims, Creston | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Shelby County | Iowa District Court for Shelby County - Small Claims, Harlan | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Chickasaw County | Iowa District Court for Chickasaw County - Small Claims, New Hampton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Cherokee County | Iowa District Court for Cherokee County - Small Claims, Cherokee | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Guthrie County | Iowa District Court for Guthrie County - Small Claims, Guthrie Center | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Mitchell County | Iowa District Court for Mitchell County - Small Claims, Osage | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Louisa County | Iowa District Court for Louisa County - Small Claims, Wapello | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Hancock County | Iowa District Court for Hancock County - Small Claims, Garner | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Winnebago County | Iowa District Court for Winnebago County - Small Claims, Forest City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Montgomery County | Iowa District Court for Montgomery County - Small Claims, Red Oak | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Franklin County | Iowa District Court for Franklin County - Small Claims, Hampton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Keokuk County | Iowa District Court for Keokuk County - Small Claims, Sigourney | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Calhoun County | Iowa District Court for Calhoun County - Small Claims, Rockwell City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Humboldt County | Iowa District Court for Humboldt County - Small Claims, Dakota City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sac County | Iowa District Court for Sac County - Small Claims, Sac City | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Clarke County | Iowa District Court for Clarke County - Small Claims, Osceola | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Howard County | Iowa District Court for Howard County - Small Claims, Cresco | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Davis County | Iowa District Court for Davis County - Small Claims, Bloomfield | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Emmet County | Iowa District Court for Emmet County - Small Claims, Estherville | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Palo Alto County | Iowa District Court for Palo Alto County - Small Claims, Emmetsburg | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Lucas County | Iowa District Court for Lucas County - Small Claims, Chariton | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Greene County | Iowa District Court for Greene County - Small Claims, Jefferson | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Monona County | Iowa District Court for Monona County - Small Claims, Onawa | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Decatur County | Iowa District Court for Decatur County - Small Claims, Leon | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Adair County | Iowa District Court for Adair County - Small Claims, Greenfield | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Monroe County | Iowa District Court for Monroe County - Small Claims, Albia | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Worth County | Iowa District Court for Worth County - Small Claims, Northwood | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Van Buren County | Iowa District Court for Van Buren County - Small Claims, Keosauqua | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Pocahontas County | Iowa District Court for Pocahontas County - Small Claims, Pocahontas | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Ida County | Iowa District Court for Ida County - Small Claims, Ida Grove | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Wayne County | Iowa District Court for Wayne County - Small Claims, Corydon | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Fremont County | Iowa District Court for Fremont County - Small Claims, Sidney | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Osceola County | Iowa District Court for Osceola County - Small Claims, Sibley | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Taylor County | Iowa District Court for Taylor County - Small Claims, Bedford | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Audubon County | Iowa District Court for Audubon County - Small Claims, Audubon | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Ringgold County | Iowa District Court for Ringgold County - Small Claims, Mount Ayr | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Adams County | Iowa District Court for Adams County - Small Claims, Corning | $6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Yes | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
Detailed guides for 99 counties
- Polk County
- Linn County
- Scott County
- Johnson County
- Black Hawk County
- Dallas County
- Woodbury County
- Story County
- Dubuque County
- Pottawattamie County
- Warren County
- Clinton County
- Cerro Gordo County
- Muscatine County
- Marshall County
- Des Moines County
- Jasper County
- Webster County
- Sioux County
- Wapello County
- Marion County
- Lee County
- Boone County
- Plymouth County
- Benton County
- Bremer County
- Washington County
- Mahaska County
- Jones County
- Buena Vista County
- Buchanan County
- Carroll County
- Winneshiek County
- Jackson County
- Henry County
- Fayette County
- Poweshiek County
- Cedar County
- Dickinson County
- Delaware County
- Madison County
- Clayton County
- Tama County
- Clay County
- Hardin County
- Iowa County
- Crawford County
- Jefferson County
- Page County
- Floyd County
- Hamilton County
- Mills County
- Harrison County
- Kossuth County
- O'Brien County
- Allamakee County
- Butler County
- Cass County
- Wright County
- Grundy County
- Lyon County
- Appanoose County
- Union County
- Shelby County
- Chickasaw County
- Cherokee County
- Guthrie County
- Mitchell County
- Louisa County
- Hancock County
- Winnebago County
- Montgomery County
- Franklin County
- Keokuk County
- Calhoun County
- Humboldt County
- Sac County
- Clarke County
- Howard County
- Davis County
- Emmet County
- Palo Alto County
- Lucas County
- Greene County
- Monona County
- Decatur County
- Adair County
- Monroe County
- Worth County
- Van Buren County
- Pocahontas County
- Ida County
- Wayne County
- Fremont County
- Osceola County
- Taylor County
- Audubon County
- Ringgold County
- Adams County
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 of the rental deposit. ... The bad-faith retention of a deposit by a landlord, or any portion of the rental deposit, in violation of this section shall subject the landlord to punitive damages not to exceed twice the monthly rental payment in addition to actual damages.
What this means
Tenant resources
- Iowa Legal Aidlegal aid, 1-800-532-1275
- HOME, Inc. - Tenant Servicestenant union in Des Moines, 515-243-1277
- Iowa Judicial Branch - Small Claimscourt self help
- Iowa Attorney General - For Consumersag consumer
- Iowa Legal Aid - Landlord and Tenant Lawlegal aid
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Iowa?
$6,500 (district court sitting in small claims (Iowa Code ch. 631; actions on or after July 1, 2018) only)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 10 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
failure to provide written statement within 30 days after termination and receipt of address = forfeit all rights to withhold any portion; bad-faith retention additionally subjects landlord to punitive damages not to exceed twice the monthly rental payment plus actual damages; court may award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing party in action on a rental agreement (deposit-dispute context per Iowa Supreme Court construction). Bad faith required: Yes.
Which court handles the claim?
District Court (small claims)
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 30 calendar days after from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions. Typical response window after a demand letter: 30 days.