Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination

Last Updated: November 21, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

An Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination is an official eviction letter written by the landlord and served to the tenant for an incurable breach, such as possessing illegal drugs on the premises. There is no option to correct the violation and the tenant must move out within three (3) calendar days.

When to Use an Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination

Use a 3 Day Notice of Termination to begin the eviction process in Iowa:

  • If the tenant threatened physical harm or committed assault.
  • If the tenant is in possession of illegal drugs.
  • If the tenant illegally used a firearm or other deadly weapon.
  • If the tenant is a clear and present danger to the health/safety of other persons.

If none of the above are true, use one of the below forms to evict a tenant:

  • 3 Day Notice to Quit – If the tenant is late on rent (starting the day after it’s due), either in part or in full.
  • 7 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate – If the tenant failed to comply with health/safety rules, violated rules with too many occupants at the premises or any other violations of the lease.
  • 7 Day Notice to Vacate – If the tenant committed substantially the same act or omissions which recurred within a six (6) month period.
  • 30 Day Notice to Vacate – If the tenant or the landlord is ending a month-to-month lease. This letter is also used for tenants with no written lease that pay rent monthly or for tenants with an expired lease.

How to Write an Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination

The Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination form shall be completed as follows:

  1. Write all adult tenants’ names (do not include minors);
  2. Fill in the complete address of the rental premises;
  3. Specify the incurable breach or violation;
  4. Include the tenant’s balance due, if applicable;
  5. Enter the date the tenancy terminates;
  6. Include the date the notice is served;
  7. Landlord prints name and signs notice;
  8. Landlord includes address and phone number.

How to Serve an Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination

A landlord can deliver notices in Iowa using any of the below acceptable methods:

  1. Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
  2. Handing the notice to a person of suitable age and discretion at the property AND mailing the notice by regular AND certified mail with a return receipt;
  3. Posting the notice in a conspicuous place at the premises, such as the entry door, AND mailing the notice by regular AND certified mail with a return receipt.

When sending the notice by regular and certified mail, add four (4) calendar days to the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

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