Iowa 3 Day Notice to Quit

Last Updated: November 21, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

An Iowa 3 Day Notice to Quit is a legal eviction document written by the landlord and served to the tenant for nonpayment of rent. The tenant has the option to pay the rent balance due or vacate the premises within three (3) calendar days.

When to Use an Iowa 3 Day Notice to Quit

Use a 3 Day Notice to Quit to begin the eviction process in Iowa if the tenant is late on rent (starting the day after it’s due), either in part or in full.

If the above is not true, use one of the below forms to evict a tenant:

  • 3 Day Notice of Termination  – If the tenant threatened physical harm, illegally used a firearm or other deadly weapon, possessed illegal drugs or is determined to be a clear and present danger to other persons.
  • 7 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate – If the tenant failed to maintain the premises in a clean and sanitary manner, 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 to Quit

The 3 Day Notice to Quit 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. Enter the amount of rent due and the date it became due;
  4. Include the total amount to be paid;
  5. Explain where the total amount due should be paid;
  6. The date the total amount is due or the date the tenant must vacate the premises;
  7. Include the date the notice is served;
  8. Landlord prints name and signs notice;
  9. Landlord includes address and phone number.

How to Serve an Iowa 3 Day Notice to Quit

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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