Free Iowa Rental Application Form
Prepare a printable Iowa rental application form to help you vet prospective tenants for your property. Create and customize your screening document with easy instructions and professional templates.
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Last Update November 15th, 2023
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What Is an Iowa Residential Rental Application
An Iowa rental application is a real estate form used by landlords and property managers to assess and choose an appropriate tenant for a rental property. They are sometimes known by other common names, such as:
Tenant applications
Rental lease applications
Lease applications
Applications for a rental property
Having a rental application can prove highly important to make sure you get the right tenant into your property. The process of screening prospective residents in this way allows you to discover any issues such as their inability to pay rent or the likelihood to cause a nuisance before signing a contract.
Iowa Rental Applications by Type
You will need to choose the correct type of rental application template depending on the people you are renting to and your property’s designation. There are two options to choose from in Iowa, which can be seen below.
Standard/General Rental Application | Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Application | |
---|---|---|
Which landlords can use it? | Private landlords | Landlords with Section 8 housing |
What kind of tenants is it designed for? | Any | Tenants eligible for subsidized housing |
What to Include in an Iowa Rental Application Form
Both landlords and tenants need to provide specific information on an IA rental application. This is so it complies with state laws and allows an informed decision to be made. The details each party should provide can be seen below.
Data the Tenant Can Be Asked for | Essential Disclosures from the Landlord |
---|---|
Personal data | The property’s condition |
Rental history | Potential hazards to the tenant |
Employment details | Shared utility arrangements |
Income information | Rent control rules |
Credit history | Smoking policy |
Personal references | The security deposit |
Permission for background checks | Associated fees |
The information offered by either the landlord or tenant will vary from application to application. However, it is vitally important that both sides get the clearest picture possible about the nature of the lease before signing an agreement.
Iowa Rental Application Laws
There are a few laws that must be followed in Iowa when you create a rental application for tenants. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to serious legal consequences and allow the tenant to sue.
Application Fee
Landlords can charge any fee they choose for a rental application, as these are not limited by IA statutes. The fee that is paid is also non-refundable to the tenant.
Security Deposit
Landlords cannot charge more than 2 months’ rent if they are leasing an unfurnished apartment under Iowa law (§ 562A.12). The deposit must be returned to the tenant within 30 days of the date they vacate the property, minus any deductions (if applicable).
Housing Discrimination Law
Iowa has no specific statutes policing housing discrimination. Nevertheless, the Fair Housing Act (FHA), is enshrined in federal law meaning that landlords may not refuse a tenant for discriminatory reasons.
Under the FHA you may not reject a tenant application for reasons such as their race, religion, sex, family status or because they have any disabilities. You may also not discriminate against their criminal history (whether or not a background check is carried out) or nationality.
Notice of Eligibility
Potential tenants must be informed about the screening criteria and reasons for possible denial or approval in advance. To prove that this information has been shared, a signature of acknowledgment must be provided within the application or alongside it.
Consent Credit Check
The Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) stipulates that potential tenants must agree to any credit checks you require. To show they consent, they must provide written acknowledgment on the application form.
Iowa Rental Application Sample
Looking over a readily prepared template of a rental application can make it much easier to create your own. Review our document sample below to get more familiar with what your application form will look like when it’s completed.

FAQs About Iowa Rental Application Form
Understanding what your IA rental application can and cannot do is vital before you create your own from scratch. Find out more about how these screening documents work and what you need to know when writing them.
How to Fill Out an Iowa Rental Application
Creating an IA rental application can be easily done with the help of our contract maker and template tools. When you fill out a rental application form, you will usually request the following information from the tenant:
Personal data
Rental history
Employment details
Income information
Credit history
Personal references
Permission for background checks
You must also include important legal disclosures on the property and the lease agreement being proposed. This will outline details on the condition of the property, any hazards, and information on aspects such as security deposit and fees. Our template designer will help you add the data that must be added.
Why Do I Need an Iowa Rental Application?
An Iowa rental application gives you the opportunity to learn more about your tenant before committing to a legal contract with them. The application lets you collect data on your prospective rental resident, so you may carry out important checks to:
Review their rental history
Verify their employment and income
Learn of any criminal history or credit issues
What Cannot Be Asked on Rental Applications in Iowa?
You cannot ask tenants a number of questions when you are vetting them with an Iowa rental application document. You must not request any of the following information from the applicant during this process:
Race or ethnicity
Religion
Sexuality
Immigration or citizenship status
Arrest records
Marital or familial status
Whether they have children or not

You are only a few steps away from your own Iowa Rental Application !