Iowa Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on [[Lease Execution Date]], by and between [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]] ("Landlord") and [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"). Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the residential premises described below under the terms of Iowa Code Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and other applicable law.

The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence by Tenant and the additional occupants listed in this Agreement., -

1. Premises

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential dwelling unit located at:

[[Property Street Address]]
[[City]], Iowa [[ZIP Code]]

County of [[County]]

The Premises include the dwelling unit, any assigned parking space(s) [[Parking Assignment]], storage [[Storage Assignment]], and the following appliances and furnishings: [[Included Appliances and Furnishings]].

Tenant has inspected the Premises (or has had the opportunity to inspect) and accepts them in their present condition, subject to the move-in inventory and condition checklist attached as Exhibit A, except for any defects noted in writing and attached hereto., -

2. Term

The initial term of this Agreement is [[Lease Term Length, e.g. twelve (12) months]], beginning [[Lease Start Date]] and ending [[Lease End Date]], unless sooner terminated or extended as provided herein.

If the term exceeds one (1) year, this Agreement must be in writing to be effective beyond one year under Iowa Code § 562A.10.

Upon expiration of a fixed term, if Tenant remains in possession with Landlord's consent and no new agreement is executed, the tenancy shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms and conditions., -

3. Rent

Tenant agrees to pay Landlord monthly rent in the amount of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], payable in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g. 1st]] day of each month.

Rent shall be paid by [[Payment Method, e.g. personal check, cashier's check, money order, electronic funds transfer, or other agreed method]] to [[Payment Address or Portal Details]].

The first month's rent is due upon execution of this Agreement. Prorated rent for any partial first month shall be calculated on a 30-day basis., -

4. Late Fees and Returned Payments

Rent is due on the date specified. A late fee applies if rent is not received within the grace period.

For premises with monthly rent of $700 or less: late fee shall not exceed $12 per day or a total of $60 per month (Iowa Code § 562A.9).

For premises with monthly rent greater than $700: late fee shall not exceed $20 per day or a total of $100 per month.

A fee of $[[NSF Fee Amount, e.g. 25 or 30]] applies to any returned or dishonored payment.

Landlord may apply payments first to any outstanding fees, then to rent., -

5. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]].

Under Iowa Code § 562A.12, the security deposit shall not exceed two (2) months' rent.

The deposit shall be held by Landlord in a bank, savings and loan, or credit union insured by a federal agency, or in a trust account (which may be interest-bearing). Interest earned during the first five years of tenancy belongs to Landlord.

The deposit secures Tenant's faithful performance. Landlord may apply it only to:

1. Remedy Tenant's default in payment of rent or other sums due under this Agreement.

2. Restore the Premises to the condition at commencement of tenancy, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

3. Recover expenses of obtaining possession from a Tenant who fails in good faith to surrender.

Within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy and receipt of Tenant's forwarding address or delivery instructions, Landlord shall return the deposit or furnish a written itemized statement of any deductions with supporting evidence for restoration costs.

If Landlord fails to provide the statement within 30 days, Landlord forfeits all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit.

Bad-faith retention may subject Landlord to punitive damages up to twice the monthly rent plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.

Tenant may not apply the deposit as last month's rent., -

6. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall be responsible for payment of the following utilities and services: [[Tenant Paid Utilities List]].

Landlord shall be responsible for: [[Landlord Paid Utilities List]].

Tenant shall have all tenant-paid utilities placed in Tenant's name as of the start date and shall maintain continuous service. Landlord is not liable for interruptions beyond Landlord's reasonable control., -

7. Occupants

The Premises shall be occupied only by the following persons:

[[Primary Tenant Full Name(s)]]

[[Additional Occupants Full Names and Ages]]

No additional occupants may reside without Landlord's prior written consent. A guest staying more than [[Guest Limit, e.g. 14 consecutive days or 30 total in any 12-month period]] without consent may be deemed an unauthorized occupant., -

8. Use of Premises; Quiet Enjoyment; Compliance with Law

Tenant shall use the Premises only as a private residence, shall comply with all laws and ordinances, shall not engage in illegal activity on the Premises, and shall not disturb the quiet enjoyment of neighbors or other tenants.

Tenant shall comply with all reasonable rules and regulations adopted by Landlord and provided in writing (Exhibit B or attached)., -

9. Pets

No pets or animals are permitted without Landlord's prior written consent, except service animals or assistance animals required to be permitted by law.

If consent is granted: [[Pet Policy Details, Additional Rent or Deposit if Any: [[Pet Rent or Deposit Amount]]]]

Tenant is responsible for all damage, noise, waste, or injury caused by any animal., -

10. Smoking

Smoking of any kind (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is [[Prohibited entirely / Permitted only in designated outdoor areas]] on the Premises. Tenant is responsible for any damage or residue caused by smoking., -

11. Parking and Vehicles

Tenant may park only in assigned spaces: [[Assigned Parking Details]].

Only operable, registered, insured vehicles may be parked. Inoperable or unauthorized vehicles may be towed after notice required by law at Tenant's expense., -

12. Landlord's Obligations, Habitability and Maintenance

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition in compliance with applicable building and housing codes (Iowa Code § 562A.15).

Landlord shall keep in good repair and working order all structural components, plumbing, heating, electrical, and supplied appliances., -

13. Tenant's Obligations, Care of Premises

Tenant shall:

1. Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and safe.

2. Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and waste properly.

3. Use all appliances, fixtures, and systems in a reasonable manner.

4. Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, batteries in smoke/CO detectors, and perform other routine minor maintenance as agreed.

5. Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions.

6. Not deliberately or negligently damage the Premises or permit damage by guests or occupants.

Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of repairs for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear caused by Tenant, occupants, or guests., -

14. Repair Requests and Emergencies

Routine repair requests shall be submitted in writing to [[Landlord Repair Contact Email or Portal]] or by phone to [[Phone]] followed by written confirmation.

For life-threatening or serious emergencies (fire, gas leak, major water intrusion, no heat in winter, etc.), Tenant shall contact [[Emergency Contact Procedure]] immediately and notify Landlord as soon as practicable., -

15. Alterations; Fixtures; Locks

Tenant shall not make alterations, additions, or improvements, paint, install satellite dishes or antennas, or change or add locks without Landlord's prior written consent.

Any approved improvements become Landlord's property upon installation unless otherwise agreed in writing. Tenant shall provide Landlord with keys to any changed locks., -

16. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises:

• In case of emergency

• To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements

• To supply necessary or agreed services

• To exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, tenants, workmen, or contractors

• To determine Tenant's compliance with the Agreement

Except in case of emergency or if Tenant is absent, Landlord shall give Tenant at least twenty-four (24) hours' reasonable notice and shall enter only at reasonable times (Iowa Code § 562A.19).

Landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass Tenant., -

17. Renter's Insurance

Tenant shall maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Liability Coverage, e.g. 100000]] throughout the term and shall provide proof upon request.

Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability. Each party waives subrogation rights to the extent of insurance proceeds., -

18. Liability and Indemnification

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct, Tenant assumes all risk of loss or damage to Tenant's property and shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from claims arising from Tenant's use of the Premises or acts of Tenant, occupants, or guests., -

19. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent.

Subletting requires written landlord consent unless the original lease expressly permits it. The original Tenant remains fully liable to Landlord for all rent, damages, and obligations under this Agreement caused by any subtenant.

Any permitted sublease shall incorporate all terms of this master lease., -

20. Default; Remedies; Termination

Tenant is in default if Tenant:

1. Fails to pay rent when due.

2. Violates any material term of this Agreement and fails to cure within the time permitted by law after written notice.

3. Abandons the Premises.

4. Engages in conduct creating a clear and present danger to others (Iowa Code § 562A.27A).

Upon default for nonpayment, Landlord may serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit under Iowa Code § 562A.27(2).

For other material noncompliance that is remediable, Landlord may serve a 7-day cure-or-quit notice.

Landlord may pursue all remedies available at law, including forcible entry and detainer (Iowa Code Chapter 648), recovery of possession, unpaid rent, damages, and costs. Self-help evictions (lock changes, utility shutoffs, removal of property) are prohibited., -

21. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession after the term without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall pay holdover rent of $[[Holdover Daily Rate or Multiple of Rent]] per day and shall be liable for all resulting damages, including lost rent and attorney fees.

With consent, the tenancy becomes month-to-month., -

22. Surrender

At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall:

1. Remove all personal property and debris.

2. Return all keys, garage openers, and access devices.

3. Leave the Premises clean and in the same condition as at move-in, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

4. Provide a written forwarding address for deposit accounting.

5. Complete the move-out portion of the inventory checklist., -

23. Notices

All notices shall be in writing. Notices to Tenant may be delivered personally, posted conspicuously, or mailed to the Premises. Notices to Landlord shall be mailed or delivered to [[Landlord Notice Address]].

For termination of a month-to-month tenancy, the terminating party must give at least 30 days' written notice prior to the end of a rental period (Iowa Code § 562A.34)., -

24. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Housing)

If the Premises was built before 1978:

Landlord discloses known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards: [[Known Lead Hazards or "None known"]].

Tenant has received the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and the required disclosure form (separate signed document attached as Exhibit C if applicable)., -

25. Other Disclosures

• Megan's Law / Sex Offender Registry: Information regarding registered sex offenders is available at https://www.iowasexoffender.com or through local law enforcement.

• Bed Bug Disclosure: Tenant acknowledges receipt of information regarding bed bugs. Tenant shall promptly report any suspected infestation.

• Mold: Landlord is not aware of any current mold issues requiring remediation. Tenant shall maintain adequate ventilation and promptly report moisture problems.

• Flood Hazard: The property [[is / is not]] located in a designated flood hazard area. Flood insurance may be required by lender or recommended: [[Flood Status Details]].

• Shared Metering: If any utility meter serves areas outside the Premises, the allocation method is: [[Shared Meter Allocation Method]]., -

26. Governing Law; Severability; Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Iowa. Venue shall lie in the county where the Premises is located.

If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force.

This Agreement, including all exhibits and addenda, constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior negotiations and representations. It may be amended only by a writing signed by both parties.

Electronic signatures are valid and binding., -

27. Attorney Fees

In any action or proceeding arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs as permitted by Iowa law., -

28. Signatures

LANDLORD

[[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]]

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________

Printed Name / Title: [[Landlord Signatory]]

TENANT(S)

Each Tenant signing below acknowledges having read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Agreement, including the security deposit rules, late fee limits, entry notice requirements, and disclosures.

Tenant 1:

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________

Printed Name: [[Tenant Full Legal Name 1]]

Tenant 2:

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________

Printed Name: [[Tenant Full Legal Name 2]], -

Exhibits

• Exhibit A: Move-In / Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist

• Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations

• Exhibit C: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Pamphlet (if pre-1978)

• Exhibit D: Additional Addenda: [[List Any Additional]], -

*Iowa Residential Lease Agreement template, not legal advice. Provisions reflect Iowa Code Chapter 562A (including §562A.12 on deposits and §562A.9 on late fees) and federal requirements as of 2026-06. Local ordinances may impose additional rules. Verify current law and consult qualified Iowa counsel before use. All variable inputs use [[Token Name]] placeholders.*