Iowa landlord forms / Security Deposit Return Letter
Iowa Security Deposit Return Letter
$19An itemized security deposit return letter, timed to your state's statutory deadline — this is the single most litigated moment in a tenancy, and missing the deadline or itemization requirement can cost a landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Core state figures — deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules — independently verified by a licensed U.S. attorney.
What Iowa law requires
- Security deposit cap
- 2 months' rentIowa Code § 562A.12(1)-(2) · source
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days after move-outIowa Code § 562A.12(3)(a), (4), (7)-(8) · source
- Month-to-month termination notice
- 30 daysIowa Code § 562A.34(1)-(2) · source
- Pay-or-quit notice (late rent)
- 3 daysIowa Code § 562A.27(2); § 562A.8A; § 4.1(34) · source
- Landlord entry notice
- 1 dayIowa Code § 562A.19(2)-(3) · source
- Late fee guidance
- $60Iowa Code § 562A.9(4) · source
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Most states penalize a late or non-itemized return — commonly forfeiting the right to withhold any amount, sometimes with additional statutory damages. Deadlines vary by state; this document is timed to yours.
Do I need to itemize every deduction?
Yes, in virtually every state — a vague "cleaning and repairs" line is not sufficient. List each deduction separately with its own amount.
Need more than one document?
The Complete Landlord Pack includes this document plus 5 more for Iowa, with unlimited edits for 12 months.
See the Iowa pack