Iowa Eviction Notice Forms

Last Updated: November 21, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

An Iowa eviction notice form is a legal letter provided to a tenant directing them to correct a breach of their obligations and/or vacate the premises. In Iowa, eviction notices can be served for the nonpayment of rent, lease violations or participating in illegal activity.

Types of Iowa Eviction Notice Forms

Notice Form Grounds Curable?
3 Day Notice to Quit Unpaid Rent Yes
7 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate Lease Violation Yes
3 Day Notice of Termination Incurable Breach

(Clear & Present Danger)

No
7 Day Notice to Vacate Incurable Breach

(Repeat Lease Violation)

No
30 Day Notice to Vacate Monthly / Longer Term Lease No

Iowa 3 Day Notice to Quit

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An Iowa 3 day Notice to Quit form is used for an eviction for nonpayment of rent. The tenant has the option to pay the balance due, otherwise the tenant must move out and deliver possession of the premises within three (3) calendar days.

Iowa 7 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate

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An Iowa 7 day Notice to Comply or Vacate form is used for an eviction for a curable breach of the lease. Examples of lease violations are failing to maintain the rental unit in a clean and sanitary manner, refusing to allow the landlord access to the premises or damaging property. The tenant has the option to fix the lease violation, otherwise the tenant must move out and deliver possession of the premises within seven (7) calendar days.

Iowa 3 Day Notice of Termination

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An Iowa 3 day Notice of Termination form is used for an eviction for an incurable breach, such as the tenant creating or maintaining a threat to the health and safety of other persons. This combined eviction notice form is a notice of termination and notice to quit for a tenant that is a clear and present danger to other persons on or within 1000 feet of the landlord’s property. The tenant cannot remain on the premises and must move out within three (3) calendar days.

Iowa 7 Day Notice to Vacate

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An Iowa 7 day Notice to Vacate form is used for an eviction for an incurable breach, such as a repeat lease violation within a six (6) month period. The tenant does not have the option to fix the violation and must move out and deliver possession of the premises within seven (7) calendar days.

Iowa 30 Day Notice to Vacate

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An Iowa 30 Day Notice to Vacate is used to terminate a month-to-month lease or a lease with a term longer than month-to-month. This lease termination letter may also be used for tenants that do not have a written lease that pay rent monthly or for tenants with an expired lease. The letter may be provided to either party at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the termination date set forth in the notice.

How to Write an Eviction Notice in Iowa

For an eviction notice to be legally compliant:

  1. List tenants’ full names;
  2. List full address;
  3. Include grounds for eviction;
  4. Calculate and include termination date;
  5. Include date notice served;
  6. The landlord’s signature and printed name; and
  7. The landlord’s address and telephone number.

Without this information on the notice, a judge may not be able to proceed with an eviction proceeding and the landlord’s case may be dismissed.

How to Calculate Expiration Date in Iowa

An eviction notice in Iowa takes effect the day after it is served. All days are counted during the notice period. Regardless of the length of notice, the last day is included in the notice period unless it falls on a weekend or legal holiday, then the notice will not officially expire until the end of the next judicial day (not counting weekends or legal holidays).

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How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Iowa  

A landlord can serve eviction 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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