Eviction notices in Iowa

If rent is unpaid when due, the landlord may end the lease if the tenant does not pay within 3 days after a written notice of nonpayment that states the landlord will terminate the lease if rent is not paid (Iowa Code § 562A.27(2)). After that, the landlord does not need a separate 3-day notice to quit before filing (§ 648.3(1)).

Can the tenant pay to stop it? The tenant can stop the termination by paying the rent within 3 days after the notice.

Type:

Pay or move out

Notice period:

3 days

Law:

Iowa Code § 562A.27(2); § 648.3(1)

For a material lease violation or a breach of tenant duties that materially affects health and safety, the written notice must describe the breach and say the lease ends on a date at least 7 days after receipt unless it is fixed within 7 days (Iowa Code § 562A.27(1)).

Chance to fix it: If the breach can be fixed by repairs, paying damages or otherwise, fixing it within 7 days keeps the lease.

Type:

Fix it or move out

Notice period:

7 days

Law:

Iowa Code § 562A.27(1)

For a clear and present danger, the landlord may serve one 3-day written notice of termination and notice to quit and then file (Iowa Code § 562A.27A). For a repeat of substantially the same violation within 6 months, the landlord may end the lease on at least 7 days' written notice with no chance to cure (§ 562A.27(1)).

When it applies: Creating or maintaining a clear and present danger to the health or safety of others (e.g. assault or threats, illegal use of a weapon, possession of an illegal controlled substance).

Notice period:

3 days

Law:

Iowa Code § 562A.27A; § 562A.27(1)

Exclude the first day and include the last; if the last day is a Sunday, the period runs through Monday (Iowa Code § 4.1(34)). A notice served by mail is complete 4 days after it is mailed and postmarked (§ 562A.29A(2); § 648.3(3)).

(a) Delivery with a signed, dated acknowledgment from a resident 18 or older; (b) personal service under Iowa R. Civ. P. 1.305; or (c) posting on the primary entrance door AND mailing by both regular and certified mail, with the posting date written on the notice (Iowa Code § 562A.29A(1)).

The landlord files a forcible entry and detainer action in the county where the unit is located. The court sets a hearing no later than 8 days after filing (15 days if the landlord asks or agrees), and the original notice must be served at least 3 days before the hearing (Iowa Code § 648.5). If the landlord wins, the court orders the tenant removed within 3 days (§ 648.22). A landlord may not take possession except through this process, abandonment or surrender, including by cutting off utilities (§ 562A.33). An unlawfully ousted tenant may recover actual damages, punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent, and attorney fees (§ 562A.26).

• Iowa Code 2026 shows no change to these notice sections since 2003; any 2026 session acts could not be confirmed from an official source.

• Iowa notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (no-cause notice by tenant or landlord)
• Iowa security deposit law: deadlines after move-out
• Federal 30-day notice for covered properties (CARES Act)

• Iowa Code § 562A.27 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 562A.27A Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 562A.29A Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 562A.26 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 562A.33 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 648.3 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 648.5 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 648.22 Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Iowa Code § 4.1 Retrieved October 13, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 13, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; if you have an eviction case, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.