Iowa has no rent control anywhere in the state. Landlords can raise rent with proper notice. Iowa's landlord-tenant law provides reasonable protections on habitability, deposits, and retaliation.
Iowa at a Glance
Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Iowa has no rent control and state law effectively prevents local rent control ordinances. Iowa's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code § 562A) governs the landlord-tenant relationship.
What Protections Iowa Tenants Do Have
Even without rent control, Iowa law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:
Security Deposit
Security deposits are capped at 2 months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to double the amount plus attorney's fees (Iowa Code § 562A.12).
Notice to Terminate
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Iowa Code § 562A.34).
Repairs & Habitability
Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition. After written notice, landlords have 7 days for emergencies or 30 days for non-emergency repairs. Remedies include repair-and-deduct or rent escrow (Iowa Code § 562A.21).
Retaliation Protection
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights by raising rent or initiating eviction (Iowa Code § 562A.36).
Lockout Prohibition
Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords cannot lock you out or shut off utilities without a court order. Violations entitle you to actual damages (Iowa Code § 562A.26).