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Johnston is one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa, situated in Polk County just northwest of Des Moines. As the city's population has expanded, so has its rental market, with apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals attracting young professionals and families. Renters in Johnston most commonly search for information about security deposit returns, rent increase rules, and what protections exist if a landlord fails to make repairs or attempts an unlawful eviction.
All residential rentals in Johnston are governed by Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562A), which sets minimum standards for habitability, deposit handling, eviction procedures, and tenant remedies. The City of Johnston has not enacted any local tenant protection ordinances beyond what state law requires, so Iowa Code is the primary source of renter rights in this community.
This guide summarizes the key Iowa tenant protections that apply to Johnston renters. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and every tenancy has unique facts — consult a licensed attorney or Iowa Legal Aid if you face a specific dispute.
Johnston has no rent control, and neither does any other city in Iowa. Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562A) is the governing framework for landlord-tenant relationships throughout the state, and Iowa has not enacted any statute authorizing municipalities to impose rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. As a practical matter, this means no Iowa city — including Johnston — can cap how much a landlord may charge or limit the amount of a rent increase.
In the absence of rent control, a landlord in Johnston may raise the rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide proper written notice before the increase takes effect. For a month-to-month tenancy, this means at least 30 days' advance written notice under Iowa Code § 562A.34. For a fixed-term lease, the rent generally cannot be raised until the lease term ends unless the lease itself permits mid-term increases. There is no cap on the percentage or dollar amount of a rent increase under Iowa law.
Renters who receive a rent increase notice should review their lease carefully to confirm whether the increase complies with any lease terms and whether the required notice period was observed. If you believe a rent increase was used as retaliation for reporting a code violation or exercising a legal right, Iowa Code § 562A.36 may provide a defense — see the Retaliation Protection section below.
Iowa Code Chapter 562A — the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law — provides the following core protections for Johnston renters:
Habitability (Iowa Code § 562A.15): Landlords are required to maintain rental units in a fit and habitable condition. This includes complying with applicable building and housing codes, keeping common areas clean and safe, maintaining electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems in working order, and supplying running water and reasonable amounts of hot water. Renters are entitled to a livable unit from move-in through the entire tenancy.
Repair Remedies (Iowa Code § 562A.21): If a landlord fails to make a required repair, a tenant must first provide written notice of the problem. For conditions that materially affect health or safety, the landlord has 7 days to begin remediation. For non-emergency deficiencies, the landlord has up to 30 days. If the landlord does not act within the applicable period, the tenant may pursue rent escrow (paying rent into court), repair-and-deduct (having the repair made and deducting the cost from rent), or termination of the lease in serious cases.
Security Deposit Rules (Iowa Code § 562A.12): Deposits are capped at two months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days of the tenant vacating. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancy (Iowa Code § 562A.34): Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice before the end of a rental period to terminate a month-to-month lease. Landlords must deliver this notice in writing and in accordance with the service methods specified in Iowa Code § 562A.6.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (Iowa Code § 562A.36): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations to a government agency, complaining in good faith about habitability, or exercising any right under Chapter 562A. Prohibited retaliatory acts include increasing rent, decreasing services, or commencing eviction proceedings within a period when retaliation may be inferred. A tenant may raise retaliation as a defense in an eviction proceeding or seek actual damages.
Lockout Prohibition (Iowa Code § 562A.26): Self-help eviction is expressly illegal in Iowa. A landlord cannot remove a tenant by changing the locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off utilities, or taking any other action to force the tenant out without first obtaining a court order. A tenant subjected to a self-help lockout or utility shutoff is entitled to recover actual damages caused by the unlawful conduct.
Iowa Code § 562A.12 governs security deposits for all residential rentals in Johnston, including apartments, single-family homes, and townhomes.
Maximum Deposit Amount: A landlord in Johnston may collect a security deposit of no more than two months' rent. This cap applies regardless of the type of unit or length of lease. Pet deposits, if collected, are generally counted toward this limit for residential tenancies.
Return Deadline: After a tenant vacates the unit, the landlord has exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide the tenant with a written itemized statement listing each deduction and the reason for it, along with any remaining balance. The 30-day clock typically starts from the date the tenant surrenders possession of the unit.
Permitted Deductions: Landlords may deduct from the deposit for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges permitted by the lease. Normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs on walls or carpet wear from ordinary use — cannot be charged to the tenant.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 30 days, and a court finds the withholding was wrongful, the tenant is entitled to recover double the amount that was wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees under Iowa Code § 562A.12(7). This penalty is a strong incentive to document the condition of the unit with photos and written move-in/move-out checklists.
Practical Tips: Provide written notice of your forwarding address before or at move-out. Keep a copy of your lease, your move-in checklist, and any written communications with the landlord. If your deposit is not returned within 30 days and you have not received a proper itemized statement, contact Iowa Legal Aid or a private attorney.
Evictions in Johnston follow the procedures established by Iowa Code Chapter 562A and Iowa Code Chapter 648 (Forcible Entry and Detainer). The process is strictly regulated, and a landlord cannot remove a tenant without going through the courts.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing a Forcible Entry and Detainer Action: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action in Polk County District Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and a hearing date, typically scheduled within a few days of filing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear at the hearing. The tenant has the right to present defenses, including payment of rent, retaliation (Iowa Code § 562A.36), habitability issues, or improper notice. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, it issues a judgment for possession.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the tenant does not vacate after judgment, the landlord may obtain a Writ of Possession, which authorizes the Polk County Sheriff to physically remove the tenant and their belongings. The landlord cannot remove the tenant themselves.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: Under Iowa Code § 562A.26, a landlord may never evict a tenant by changing locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off utilities, or using any other means of physical removal outside the court process. A tenant who is locked out or has utilities shut off by a landlord is entitled to actual damages and may seek an emergency court order restoring possession.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws, local ordinances, and court interpretations can change, and the specific facts of your situation may affect how the law applies to you. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or any other housing legal matter, you should consult a licensed Iowa attorney or contact Iowa Legal Aid for guidance specific to your circumstances.
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