Free Iowa Rental Application Form

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Managing real estate can be tricky and it is essential to ensure that your activities are legally compliant at all times. Take advantage of the full range of property management legal documents below whenever you need to perform crucial tasks:

• Iowa Residential Lease Agreement

• Iowa Eviction Notice