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Iowa security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Iowa, a landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Iowa Code § 562A.12). Under Iowa law, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld, and the court may award costs or attorney's fees.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

30

days for an Iowa landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any part of it.

What the landlord must send you

A written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of the deposit.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

Bad-faith retention can subject the landlord to punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent, in addition to actual damages (Iowa Code § 562A.12(7)).

Your forwarding address

Iowa's deadline runs from receiving your mailing address, and a tenant who gives none within one year of move-out forfeits the deposit (Iowa Code § 562A.12(4)). The letter includes yours.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Iowa security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Iowa?

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any part of it.

What must an Iowa landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of the deposit.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Iowa?

Bad-faith retention can subject the landlord to punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent, in addition to actual damages (Iowa Code § 562A.12(7)).

Do I need to give my Iowa landlord a forwarding address?

Iowa's deadline runs from receiving your mailing address, and a tenant who gives none within one year of move-out forfeits the deposit (Iowa Code § 562A.12(4)). The letter includes yours.

How do I get my security deposit back in Iowa?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 30 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Iowa Code § 562A.12 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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