Iowa deposit law, in plain English.
What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.
30 days, once they have your address.
After your tenancy ends and they have your mailing address, your landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it.
§ 562A.12(3)(a)Off limits.
Ordinary wear and tear. They can only keep what's reasonably needed.
§ 562A.12(3)(a)(2)Miss it, lose it.
If they don't send the statement in time, they lose the right to keep any of it.
§ 562A.12(4)Bad faith costs extra.
Keeping it in bad faith can add punitive damages of up to twice a month's rent, on top of actual damages.
§ 562A.12(7)
Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.
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