Landlord Issues

Multifamily apartment building on sunny day

Rental Property Not Ready for Occupancy

The rental unit must be fully available to you in proper condition at the agreed-upon date (first day of the lease period). If the unit is not ready, you have several options including reimbursement for rent and deposits paid in advance and/or the right to terminate the lease and not move in.

For information about your options and procedures to follow, the University of Iowa students can contact Student Legal Services at (319) 335-3276.

Inadequate Living Conditions

If you think the conditions of your rental unit are in violation of housing, health, or safety codes follow the steps below.

1. Contact the Landlord FIRST

  • Call the landlord. This gives the landlord an opportunity to fix the problem. In addition, calling first may help to keep a good tenant -- landlord relationship (a phone call is less formal than a written notice).
  • Give the landlord a written notice if the phone call does not resolve the problem. The notice should explain the problem and request that the landlord takes action to correct it. Keep a signed and dated copy.

2. Call the Housing Inspection Office.

The city housing inspector is responsible for investigating health and safety violations.

Tenants' Rights

If a tenant files a complaint against a rental unit or property, Iowa Tenant Landlord Law protects tenants from landlord retaliation such as increased rents or eviction. Contact Student Legal Services at (319) 335-3276.

Woman looking under sink at water leak

Repairs

It is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain the rental unit. Do NOT perform repairs on your own.  If you perform repairs you do not have rights for reimbursement. Follow these steps.

  • Review your lease for procedures regarding repairs. Some landlords have specific guidelines for repair requests.
  • If your lease does not address repair procedures, call the landlord. This gives the landlord an opportunity to schedule the repair work based on the urgency of the problem. Calling first also helps maintain a good tenant-landlord relationship.
  • Give the landlord a written notice if the phone call does not resolve the problem. The notice should clearly identify the problem and request that the landlord performs the needed repair. 7-day notices to landlord forms can be obtained from student legal services. Keep a signed and dated copy.

Tenants' Rights

If repairs are not completed within a reasonable amount of time, contact Student Legal Services at 319-335-3276.

Landlord Entry into Apartment/House

Reasons for Landlord to Enter Premises:

  • Emergency
  • Inspections
  • To make agreed repairs or necessary repairs
  • Decorations, alterations, or improvements
  • Supply necessary or agreed services
  • To show the property to prospective tenants, buyers, workers, or contractors 
  • If the tenant is away from the rental property for more than 14 days, the landlord may enter the dwelling unit whenever "reasonably necessary"

Procedures and Guidelines:

  • Landlord must give 24 hours' notice to the tenant of the landlord's intent to enter
  • The landlord must enter only at "reasonable times"
  • It may be helpful for the landlord and tenant to establish writing some sort of schedule of reasonable times for access
  • A tenant may not refuse "reasonable" entry
  • The tenant has the right to be present whenever the landlord enters
  • Landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant
  • Repeated demands for entry can constitute harassment
  • If the landlord makes an unlawful or unreasonable entry or is harassing the tenant the landlord may be ordered to pay damages equaling at least one month's rent

Lack of Essential Services

Your landlord must provide essential services. There are three essential services under Iowa law:

1) heat;

2) hot water; and

3) running water.

If your landlord is not providing one of these essential services you should immediately notify the landlord of the situation. If you live in Iowa City, you should also immediately notify the Iowa City Housing Inspector at (319) 356-5135.
Tenants who are not being provided essential services have rights and options. They should contact the attorney of their choosing for assistance. University of Iowa students may contact Student Legal Services for assistance.

Eviction

What is an Eviction?

An eviction is a formal notice ending your right to occupy the rental unit. It does not end your responsibility to pay rent. It is a complicated, costly, and disruptive event.

Tenants' Rights

As a tenant, you have rights and responsibilities. You may not be evicted without a specific cause. If you are being threatened with eviction or have received an eviction notice, immediately contact Student Legal Services at (319) 335-3276.