Iowa Eviction Notice Overview
Iowa uses a 7-day notice period for certain lease violations under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Iowa Code Chapter 562A). For non-payment of rent, Iowa requires a 3-day notice under Iowa Code 562A.27(2). However, for material lease violations other than non-payment, landlords must provide a 7-day notice to cure under Iowa Code 562A.27(1). This makes Iowa a partial 7-day notice state.
Iowa's landlord-tenant law follows the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) framework, codified in Iowa Code Chapter 562A. The act applies to all residential rentals in the state. Iowa has 99 counties, and eviction cases (called 'forcible entry and detainer' or FED) are filed in District Court for the county where the rental property is located. Polk County (Des Moines) and Linn County (Cedar Rapids) handle the highest eviction volumes.
7 Days
Notice period
$95
Filing fee
IA Code
Governing law
District
Court level
Iowa Code Ch. 562A Legal Framework
Iowa Uses 3 Days for Rent, 7 Days for Violations
Iowa has different notice periods depending on the situation. For non-payment of rent, only a 3-day notice is required (Iowa Code 562A.27(2)). For material lease violations that can be cured, a 7-day notice is required (Iowa Code 562A.27(1)). Make sure you use the correct notice type and period for your specific situation.
Iowa Notice Periods at a Glance
- 3-Day Notice — Non-Payment (562A.27(2)): Tenant has 3 days to pay all rent owed or the lease is terminated
- 7-Day Notice — Lease Violations (562A.27(1)): Tenant has 7 days to cure a material noncompliance with the rental agreement
- 7-Day Unconditional — Repeat Violations: If the same violation recurs within 6 months, landlord may give 7-day unconditional quit notice
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (562A.34): Either party must give at least 30 days notice to terminate
Iowa Notice Requirements
Iowa courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 7 days for non-payment as required by Iowa law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Iowa
Iowa law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver the notice to the tenant in person. Most reliable method; starts the notice period immediately upon delivery.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail to the tenant's last known address. Iowa courts accept this as valid service. Allow extra time for delivery.
Posting and Mailing
Post the notice on the main entry door and mail a copy by first-class mail. Used when the tenant cannot be found for personal delivery.
Document Service
Prepare a certificate of service documenting the date, time, and method. Iowa District Courts require proof of service when filing the FED complaint.
Iowa Eviction Timeline
The Iowa eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 3-day notice for non-payment (562A.27(2)) or 7-day notice for lease violations (562A.27(1))
If tenant has not cured, file forcible entry and detainer (FED) complaint in Iowa District Court
Court serves the tenant; hearing scheduled within 8 days of filing under Iowa Code 648.5
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of removal issued; sheriff executes physical removal within 3 days
Uncontested Iowa evictions typically take 3-6 weeks. Iowa's FED procedure is relatively fast, with hearings required within 8 days of filing. Contested cases take 5-10 weeks. Polk County (Des Moines) and Linn County (Cedar Rapids) may have slightly longer wait times due to case volume.
Iowa Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Iowa District Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $95 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Removal | $25 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 - $250 |
Sample Iowa Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Iowa-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of Iowa Code Ch. 562A.
7-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR VACATE
STATE OF IOWA
Pursuant to Iowa Code 562A.27(1)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Iowa Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified that you are in material noncompliance with your rental agreement for the following reason: [Describe Violation]. You have SEVEN (7) DAYS from the date of service to cure this violation or vacate the premises.
IOWA COMPLIANCE NOTE
Iowa uses a 7-day notice for curable lease violations (562A.27(1)) and a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent (562A.27(2)). This notice addresses lease violations. For non-payment situations, use the 3-day notice form instead.