Free Iowa Short-Term Rental Agreement Template

Last reviewed September 2026

Written by LawLease Editorial

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Iowa Short-Term Rental Agreement

This Short-Term Rental Agreement is built with Iowa as the governing state. These are the Iowa landlord-tenant rules that most often bear on it, with the statute for each.

Iowa rules at a glance

Iowa rules for a Short-Term Rental Agreement
Security deposit limit	2 months’ rentIowa Code §562A.12(1)
Deposit return	30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant’s mailing addressIowa Code §562A.12(3)
Late fees	Rent ≤ $700: max $12/day or $60/month · Rent > $700: max $20/day or $100/monthIowa Code §562A.9(4)

Security deposits in Iowa

An Iowa landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months’ rent (§562A.12(1)). The statute calls it a “rental deposit,” and it stays the tenant’s money while the landlord holds it.

How it’s held — Deposits must be kept in a federally insured bank, savings and loan, or credit union and can’t be commingled with the landlord’s personal funds. A common trust account is allowed, and interest earned during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord (§562A.12(2)).
Return deadline — Within 30 days of the tenancy ending and the landlord receiving the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or send a written statement giving the specific reason for any amount withheld (§562A.12(3)).
Allowed deductions — Only unpaid rent or other sums due under the lease, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and the cost of recovering possession from a tenant who fails to leave in bad faith. The landlord carries the burden of proving each deduction (§562A.12(3)).
No forwarding address — If the tenant never supplies a mailing address within one year of the tenancy ending, the deposit reverts to the landlord (§562A.12(4)).
Penalties — Missing the 30-day statement forfeits all right to withhold anything; bad-faith retention adds punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent on top of actual damages (§562A.12(4), (7)).

Rent, late fees & rent increases

Unless the lease says otherwise, rent is due at the start of each month, at the dwelling unit, without demand or notice (§562A.9(3)). Iowa is one of the few states that caps late fees at fixed dollar amounts.

Late-fee cap — Where rent is $700 a month or less, a lease can’t provide for a late fee above $12 per day or $60 in total per month. Where rent is above $700, the limit is $20 per day or $100 per month (§562A.9(4)).
Rent-increase notice — Every tenant must get written notice of a rent increase at least 30 days before it takes effect, and the increase can’t take effect before the current lease term (or renewal) expires (§562A.13(5)).
Utilities — Unless the tenant pays the utility company directly, the landlord must fully explain utility rates, charges, and services to a prospective tenant before the lease is signed (§562A.13(4)).
Rent control — Iowa bars cities and counties from adopting any ordinance limiting the rent charged for private residential property (§§364.3(9), 331.304(10)). Cities are also barred from requiring landlords to accept federal housing choice vouchers (§364.3(16)).

Iowa Short-Term Rental Agreement FAQs

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Iowa?

No more than two months’ rent (Iowa Code §562A.12(1)). The deposit must be held in a federally insured bank, savings and loan, or credit union and can’t be mixed with the landlord’s personal funds (§562A.12(2)).

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Iowa?

Within 30 days once the tenancy has ended and the landlord has received the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions. The landlord must return the deposit or send a written statement of the specific reasons for any deduction; missing the deadline forfeits the right to withhold anything (§562A.12(3)–(4)).

What is the maximum late fee in Iowa?

It depends on the rent. For rent of $700 a month or less, the late fee can’t exceed $12 per day or $60 per month. For rent above $700, the cap is $20 per day or $100 per month (§562A.9(4)).

Short-Term Rental Agreement in other states

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