Iowa 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Iowa Is a 3-Day Notice State
Iowa uses a 3-day notice under Iowa Code 562A.27(2).
Iowa adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, codified at Iowa Code Chapter 562A. The 3-day notice for non-payment under Section 562A.27(2) is one of the shortest notice periods in the country. Iowa uses Small Claims Court for most residential evictions, providing a simplified process. For lease violations, Iowa requires a 7-day notice with the right to cure under Section 562A.27(1).
3 Days
Notice period
$85-$95
Filing fee
Iowa
Governing law
2-4 Wks
Court process
Iowa's Actual Notice Period
Iowa requires a 3 days notice under Iowa Code 562A.27(2). Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in Small Claims Court.
3 Days Notice (Iowa Code 562A.27(2))
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Iowa Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Iowa law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 3 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Iowa law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Iowa
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full 3 days to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in Small Claims Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
Iowa Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in Small Claims Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 2-4 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
Iowa Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $85-$95 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Iowa Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Iowa-compliant notice under Iowa Code 562A.27(2).
3-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF IOWA
Pursuant to Iowa Code 562A.27(2)
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, IA ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
IOWA COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with Iowa Code 562A.27(2). Iowa is a 3-day notice state.