Maximums under § 562A.9(4).
Higher statutory tier under § 562A.9(4).
Under § 562A.12.
After termination + receipt of address/instructions.
From restoration deductions.
Iowa charge guides
Security Deposit
Iowa security deposit cap, 30-day return, mailing-address trigger, ordinary wear, burden of proof and bad-faith remedies.
Open guide →2-Month Limit
Iowa law limits a residential rental deposit to two months’ rent.
Open guide →30-Day Rule
Iowa requires the rental deposit return or written withholding statement within 30 days after termination and receipt of address/instructions.
Open guide →Mailing Address
Iowa’s security-deposit deadline depends in part on the landlord receiving the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions.
Open guide →Normal Wear
Iowa excludes ordinary wear and tear from restoration deductions against the rental deposit.
Open guide →Burden of Proof
In an Iowa action concerning the rental deposit, the landlord bears the burden of proving the reason for withholding.
Open guide →Deposit Remedy
Iowa allows punitive damages for bad-faith retention of a rental deposit in violation of § 562A.12.
Open guide →Utility Disclosure
Iowa requires landlords to explain utility rates, charges and services before the rental agreement is signed unless the tenant pays the utility directly.
Open guide →Rent Late Fees
Iowa residential late-fee limits under Iowa Code § 562A.9, with different daily and monthly ceilings depending on whether monthly rent is $700 or less or greater than $700.
Open guide →Why Iowa is useful for bill checking
For a late fee, start with the monthly rent amount to choose the correct Iowa ceiling, then compare both the daily rate and the total charged during the month. For a deposit dispute, switch to the separate § 562A.12 workflow and preserve the forwarding-address evidence because it affects the statutory clock.