An Iowa 7 Day Notice to Vacate is a legal eviction letter delivered to the tenant for an incurable breach of the lease, such as a repeat violation which recurred within six (6) months. The tenant must move out and deliver possession of the premises within seven (7) calendar days.
When to Use an Iowa 7 Day Notice to Vacate
Use a 7 Day Notice to Vacate to begin the eviction process in Iowa if the tenant committed substantially the same or similar act (repeat violation) which recurred within a six (6) month period.
If the above is not 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.
- 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 comply with health/safety rules, violated rules with too many occupants at the premises or any other violations of the lease.
- 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 7 Day Notice to Vacate
The Iowa 7 Day Notice to Vacate form shall be completed as follows:
- Write all adult tenants’ names (do not include minors);
- Fill in the complete address of the rental premises;
- Specify the rule or lease violation;
- Enter the date the tenancy terminates;
- Include the tenant’s balance due, if applicable;
- Include the date the notice is served;
- Landlord prints name and signs notice;
- Landlord includes address and phone number.
How to Serve an Iowa 7 Day Notice to Vacate
A landlord can deliver notices in Iowa using any of the below acceptable methods:
- Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
- 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;
- 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.
Sources
- 1 IA Code § 562A.27
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If substantially the same act or omission which constituted a prior noncompliance of which notice was given recurs within six months, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement upon at least seven days’ written notice specifying the breach and the date of termination of the rental agreement.
Source Link - 2 IA Code § 562A.8
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Notices required under this chapter, except those notices identified in section 562A.29A, shall be served as follows:
a. A landlord shall serve notice on a tenant by one or more of the following methods:
(1) Hand delivery to the tenant.
(2) Delivery evidenced by an acknowledgment of delivery that is signed and dated by a resident of the dwelling unit who is at least eighteen years of age. Delivery under this subparagraph shall be deemed to provide notice to all tenants of the dwelling unit.
(3) Personal service pursuant to
rule of civil procedure 1.305, Iowa court rules
, for the personal service of original notice.
(4) Mailing by both regular mail and certified mail, as defined in section 618.15, to the address of the dwelling unit or to an address provided by the tenant for mailing.
Source Link - 3 IA Code § 562A.29A
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Notice served by mail under this section is deemed completed four days after the notice is deposited in the mail and postmarked for delivery, whether or not the recipient signs a receipt for the notice.
Source Link