| Quick Facts | Answer |
| Reason Needed | No |
| Max / Limit | None |
| Notice Requirement | 30 Days |
Does Iowa Have Rent Control?
No, Iowa does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments from establishing their own rent control laws.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Iowa?
In Iowa, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Iowa?
In Iowa, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as they give proper notice, don’t do so during the fixed term of a lease (unless the lease allows for it), and aren’t doing so for certain discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Iowa?
In Iowa, landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement), for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or age), or for certain retaliatory reasons (such as in response to a tenant requesting repairs).
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:
- Age
- Race
- Gender (including gender identity)
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Nationality or origin
- Familial status
- Disability
Cities and towns may have additional protection from discrimination for renters, such as in Des Moines where landlords are prohibited from discriminating due to source of income. Check your local ordinance to determine if there are any housing discrimination laws.
Iowa law also prevents landlords from increasing rent in retaliation. An action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs within one year after something a tenant does. Rent increases are considered retaliatory if they are in response to a tenant:
- Filing a complaint with the appropriate agency regarding the health or safety of the property
- Complaining to the landlord regarding their responsibility to maintain the premises
- Joining or organizing a tenants’ group or union
How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Iowa?
In Iowa, landlords cannot raise the rent during a lease term and must give 30 days’ written notice to increase the rent.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Iowa?
Landlords in Iowa can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as sufficient notice is provided each time.
Sources
- 1 IA Code § 364.3
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Source LinkA city shall not adopt or enforce any ordinance imposing any limitation on the amount of rent that can be charged for leasing private residential or commercial property.
- 2 Des Moines Code of Ord. § 62-101
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It shall be an illegal discriminatory housing practice…to…refuse to sell, lease or rent…to any person because of…source of income.Source Link
- 3 IA Code § 562A.36
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…a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent…tenant has complained to a governmental agency…to the landlord…organized or become a member of a tenants’ union or similar organization.Source Link
- 4 IA Code § 562A.36
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In an action by or against the tenant, evidence of a good-faith complaint within one year prior to the alleged act of retaliation creates a presumption that the landlord’s conduct was in retaliation.Source Link
- 5 IA Code § 562A.13
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Source LinkEach tenant shall be notified, in writing, of any rent increase at least thirty days before the effective date.