Iowa 60-Day Notice Overview
Iowa does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Iowa Code Chapter 562A), month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice under Section 562A.34. The notice must be given at least 30 days before the next periodic rental date. Iowa\'s landlord-tenant framework provides moderate protections for both parties.
Iowa provides balanced landlord-tenant protections. The state has no rent control, no just-cause eviction requirements, and allows no-cause terminations with proper notice. However, Iowa prohibits retaliatory evictions under 562A.36, requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions, and caps security deposits at two months\' rent under 562A.12. Iowa\'s eviction process through Small Claims Court is relatively efficient, with most uncontested cases resolved within a few weeks.
30 Days
Statutory default
$50-$85
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-4 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Iowa
Since Iowa's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many Iowa property management companies include 60-day non-renewal clauses in their leases. When the lease specifies 60 days, the contractual obligation overrides the 30-day statutory minimum under Iowa Code 562A.34. This is common in university towns like Iowa City and Ames.
Iowa Finance Authority Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination. LIHTC properties throughout Iowa also have extended notice requirements specified in their regulatory agreements.
Long-Term Tenant Courtesy
In Iowa\'s college towns (Iowa City, Ames, Cedar Falls) and growing metro areas (Des Moines, West Des Moines), providing 60 days to long-term tenants reduces legal challenges and allows adequate time to find replacement housing.
Iowa Legal Requirements
Iowa's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Iowa Retaliatory Eviction Protection
Under Iowa Code 562A.36, a landlord cannot terminate a tenancy in retaliation for the tenant\'s good-faith complaint about code violations, participation in a tenant organization, or exercise of legal rights. If the termination occurs within one year of protected activity, the court may presume retaliation. Iowa courts can dismiss retaliatory evictions and award the tenant up to two months\' rent in damages plus attorney fees.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: Iowa Code 562A.34 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient for terminating residential tenancies in Iowa
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the periodic rental date
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Iowa mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: Iowa Code 562A.12 requires return of the security deposit within 30 days of termination with an itemized statement of deductions
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Iowa
Proper service is critical in Iowa. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Iowa-specific template referencing Iowa Code 562A.34. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver the notice to the tenant at the rental premises. Iowa courts prefer personal service. Bring a witness or use a process server for documentation
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested or by regular mail. Iowa accepts mailed service, with proof of mailing serving as evidence
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Forcible Entry and Detainer Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Small Claims Court where the property is located
Iowa Eviction Timeline
Iowa\'s eviction process uses the Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action filed in Small Claims Court or District Court under Iowa Code Chapter 648. After filing, the court issues a summons, and a hearing is scheduled within 8-15 days.
At the FED hearing, both parties present evidence. Iowa Small Claims Court proceedings are informal and designed for self-represented parties. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant has 3 days to vacate after judgment.
Total court timeline: 2-4 weeks uncontested, 4-8 weeks contested. Polk County (Des Moines) and Johnson County (Iowa City) have heavier caseloads. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-16 weeks. Self-help evictions are prohibited under Iowa law.
Iowa Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Iowa vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Small Claims Court Filing Fee | $50 - $85 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 - $1,500 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $50 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample Iowa 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Iowa-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF IOWA
Pursuant to Iowa Code 562A.34
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Iowa Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
IOWA COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per Iowa Code 562A.12, with an itemized statement of any deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.