Iowa Repair & Habitability Laws
Iowa landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with housing codes and keep essential systems functional.
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Key Rules
- Repair And Deduct
- Yes — up to one month's rent after 7 days written notice
- Rent Withholding
- Tenant may terminate agreement for material habitability failures
- Habitability Standard
- Building and housing code compliance; working plumbing, heating, and electrical
- Notice Required
- 7 days written notice to landlord before invoking repair-and-deduct remedy
Applicable Statutes
Landlord obligations: landlord must comply with applicable building and housing codes, maintain structural components, and keep all electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems in good working order.
Iowa Code § 562A.24
Tenant remedies: if landlord fails to repair within 7 days of written notice, tenant may terminate the rental agreement or have repairs made and deduct costs from rent up to one month's rent.
Legal Aid Resources
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