Free Iowa Residential Lease Agreement Form

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Table of Contents:

What is an Iowa Residential Lease Agreement

A lease agreement outlines the terms under which a landlord agrees to rent a property to a tenant. It should include the duration of the lease, the size, and frequency of rental payments, information about additional costs and the terms of use of the property.

This legally binding contract should also define which situations constitute lease violations, and what the eviction procedures would be in any of those scenarios. Lease agreements are of a longer duration than rental agreements, but they’re otherwise similar in purpose and structure.

It’s important to note that lease agreements need to comply with any lease-related laws in the state where the property is located.

Types of Iowa Lease Agreements

There are many types of IA lease agreement forms that can be used to manage and legally bind many different types of rental situations. They allow landlords to rent out various types of property they might have and for tenants to find the best kind of tenancy for their needs.

The most common types of lease agreements in Iowa include:

Type of Lease Agreement Description
Standard Fixed set of terms that both the landlord and tenant commit to for a series of months or years.
Rent-to-own Rent-to-own options allow the possibility for tenants to purchase the property they are renting.
Month-to-month Similar basic terms to standard lease agreements, but they can be renewed or ended each month.
Commercial Utilized by tenants that intend to use a piece of real estate to run a business.
Room rental Rental properties that are located within shared living areas.
Sublease Permits tenants to assign or “sublease” the property to another person.

Disclosures for Iowa Lease Agreements

Disclosures for Iowa Lease Agreements

There are various disclosures and addendums that must be contained within IA lease agreementswhen they are completed and signed. These are made to inform the tenant about any health risks, potential issues, or details about how the property is managed. 

The list below includes the essential addendums in Iowa: 

  • Lead paint disclosure: Landlords must disclose whether lead paint can be found on the property (if the building was constructed before 1978). 

  • Agent/owner identification: An essential section including the contact information of the landlord or the chosen agent who will manage the property on their behalf. 

  • Shared utilities: Tenants must be informed if there are any shared utility charges as well as the rate at which these are calculated and billed.

  • Environmental protection: If the property is listed within the CERCLA database provided by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, this must be specified in the lease agreement. 

Iowa Lease Agreement Laws

For anIowa lease agreement to be legally binding and valid, it must be written according to the laws of IA state. If this is not done properly, the contract will be legally contestable and could be declared invalid when put under scrutiny. These rules will also determine what kind of procedures and terms you may ask the tenant to abide by.

The overview below includes the most important laws to consider when renting a property in Iowa: 

Law Specifics
Security deposit The maximum security deposit that can be charged in IA, is two months’ rent if the property is a non-rent control unit. This amount must be given back to the tenant within 30 days after they vacate the property and return the keys. If any deductions will be taken from the security deposit, the tenant must be informed of these in advance.(§562A.12)
Landlord’s right to enter 24 hours’ advance notice must be given by landlords before entering the rental property. (IA Code Section 562A.19, 29, and 35)

For more specific information on IA lease agreements, consult the Iowa landlord and tenant laws. 

Iowa Residential Lease Agreement Sample

Creating and putting a lease agreement into action in Iowa is a major commitment. It can help to explore an example template first to get a clear idea of what information should be found in your completed document. Our sample IA lease agreement below can help you understand the details included in this legal arrangement a little better.

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Iowa lease agreement form

Other Real Estate Documents

Besides lease agreements, there are various other legal documents that are commonly used by landlords. If you are the owner of a rental property, one of the following forms may be helpful for you: 

FAQs About Iowa Lease Agreements

It is important to carefully prepare an IA lease agreement to suit the needs of the landlord and tenant exactly. To help demystify the process a little simply review our FAQs below to learn more about the specificities of rental contracts in Iowa.

Lease Agreement or Rental Agreement?

There is a key difference between an Iowa lease agreement and an Iowa rental agreement, which is the length of duration that they each cover.

Lease agreements are normally longer-term arrangements that can last several months or even years, in which their terms remain fixed. Rental agreements on the other hand are shorter-term in nature but are more flexible and may be changed on a weekly or monthly basis.

Can a Lease Be Negotiated in Iowa?

Yes, an IA residential lease agreement can be negotiated before it is signed. The landlord and tenant will usually discuss the terms before the agreement is put into action. However, once a lease agreement is signed it cannot be altered until it comes to its natural end or is canceled.

When Can a Landlord Change The Lease?

Usually, an IA lease agreement cannot be changed once it is signed. Its terms will remain fixed until it reaches its agreed expiration date or it is terminated due to a violation by either party. 

With a rental agreement or month-by-month tenancy, however, the terms of the agreement can potentially be changed each rental period. This means the landlord can amend or end the terms of the contract every 30 days if they wish. 

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Iowa lease agreement form

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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter, the "Lease Agreement") is dated as of ________ day of ________________, ________ (hereinafter, the "Effective Date") and is entered into by and between the following parties:
_________

(hereinafter the "Landlord")

- AND _________

(hereinafter the "Tenant(s)")

The Landlord and the Tenant(s) agree as follows:
1. The Landlord rents to the Tenant(s) and the Tenant(s) rents to the Landlord a house, located at _________ (hereinafter the "Property"), for the sole use as a personal residence.
2. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, only the Tenant(s) mentioned in this Lease Agreement will be permitted to live on the Property. No other person will be allowed to live on the Property without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
PETS

3. No animal or pet shall be kept, permanently or temporarily, on or about the Property, even temporarily or with a visiting guest. As provided by law, a Service Animal(s) is not considered a pet, and every individual with a disability shall have a right to have a Service Animal(s) on the Property.
PARKING

4. Parking spaces for motor vehicles or motorcycles are not provided nor permitted on the Property under this Lease Agreement.
SMOKING

5. Smoking is not allowed in or on any area of the Property, including individual units and common areas, both indoors and outdoors. This policy applies to all owners, tenants, or guests.

If the Tenant(s) contravenes this provision by smoking or allowing guests to smoke in any place on the property, then such Tenant(s) shall be held liable for any damages caused to the Property. The violation of this provision shall be considered a just cause for the eviction of the Tenant(s) by the Landlord.
VAPING

6. Vaping is not allowed in or on any area of the Property, including individual units and common areas, both indoors and outdoors.
TERM
7. The term of the Lease Agreement begins on _________ (hereinafter, the "Commencement Date") and shall terminate on _________ (hereinafter, the "Termination Date").
8. The Parties must comply with the law of the State of Iowa in any notification to end this tenancy.
RENT
9. The Tenant(s) shall pay the Landlord Rent in the amount of $_________ per week (hereinafter, the "Rent").
10. The Tenant(s) shall pay the Landlord Rent weekly prior to or on _________ day of every week during the term of this Lease Agreement at _________ or at such other place as the Landlord may designate later by:
11. The Landlord may increase the Rent that will be paid for the Property by providing to the Tenant(s) such notice as required by the law of the State of Iowa.
INSPECTIONS
12. The Parties will inspect the property to evaluate its condition at the beginning and the end of the lease term.
13. The Landlord and its agents shall have the right to enter the Property at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting, repairing, or showing it to Prospective buyers or tenants in compliance with the law of the State of Iowa.
TENANT IMPROVEMENTS
14. The Tenant(s) shall not make any sort of improvements on the leased Property without the Landlord's prior written consent. All improvements made by the Tenant(s) shall become the Landlord's property and shall be surrendered with the leased premises at the termination of this Lease Agreement unless the Tenant(s) obtain written consent from the Landlord before doing any of the following:

(a) Additions
(b) Alterations
(c) Fixtures
(d) Redecorations
(e) Installing a waterbed(s).
UTILITIES
15. The Tenant(s) shall be responsible for and shall pay for all utilities and services used or consumed at the Property.
INSURANCE
16. The Tenant(s) shall not pay for any insurance to protect property belonging to such Tenant(s). However, if the property belonging to the Tenant(s) suffers any damage or loss, the Landlord will not be liable for any property that suffers any damage or loss.
17. The Tenant(s) will not be held responsible for insuring the Landlord's property in or about the premises. Further, the Tenant(s) will not be liable for either damage or loss of such property.
ATTORNEY FEES
18. In any lawsuit brought to enforce the Lease or under applicable law, the party in whose favor a judgment or decree has been rendered may recover reasonable court costs, including attorneys' fees, from the non-prevailing party.
GOVERNING LAW
19. This Lease Agreement shall be governed, construed, and interpreted by the Iowa law.
SEVERABILITY
20. If any term or provision of this Lease Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall not be affected by such provision and will continue to be valid and enforceable.
21. If a court holds that any provision of this Lease Agreement is invalid or unenforceable and such provision is eliminated, the remaining provisions shall continue to have full effect.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND AMENDMENT OF THE LEASE
22. This Lease Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and there are no other promises, conditions, understandings, or other agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Lease. This Lease Agreement may be modified or amended in writing if it is signed by both parties.
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING
23. The Tenant(s) shall not, without the prior written consent of the Landlord, assign this Lease Agreement or any interest herein or sublet the Property or any part thereof.
DAMAGES
24. All damages done to the property shall be charged to the Tenant(s) and may be considered cause for the termination of this lease agreement.
CARE AND USE OF PROPERTY
25. The Tenant(s) shall occupy and use the Property exclusively as a residential dwelling unit. No other uses shall be allowed to the Tenant(s) other than for residential dwelling purposes, except as may be allowed by the written consent of the Landlord and if and only if the alternative use is allowed under all applicable zoning laws. In such case, the Tenant(s) shall obtain liability insurance to cover any risks associated with alternate use of the property.

Further, the Parties must comply with all health, fire, and safety regulations. Any material breach of this provision by the Tenant(s) constitutes valid grounds for eviction or lease termination.
26. The Tenant(s) accepts the Property in its present condition and state of repair and shall be given possession of the Property on the day of commencement of this Lease Agreement.

At the expiration of the lease term, the Tenant(s) shall leave and surrender the Property in as good a state and condition as they were in at the commencement of the lease term, reasonable use, wear and tear, and damages by the elements excepted.
NOTICE
27. The Tenant(s) may be reached for any matter related to this tenancy at the Property or through the following phone number and email:

(a) Name: _________.
(b) Phone: _________.
(c) Email: _________.
28. The Landlord may be reached for any matter related to this tenancy at the Property or through the following phone number and email:

(a) Name: _________.
(b) Address: _________.
The contact information for the Landlord is:

(c) Phone: _________.
(d) Email address: _________.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
29. All monetary amounts stated or referred to on this Lease are based in the United States dollar.
30. Any waiver by the Landlord of any failure by the Tenant to perform or observe the provisions of this Lease will not operate as a waiver of the Landlord's rights under this Lease in respect of any subsequent defaults, breaches, or non-performance and will not defeat or affect in any way the Landlord's rights in respect of any subsequent default or breach.
31. This Lease will extend to and be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, as the case may be, of each Party. All covenants are to be construed as conditions of this Lease.
32. All sums payable by the Tenant to the Landlord pursuant to any provision of this Lease will be deemed to be additional rent and will be recovered by the Landlord as rental arrears.
33. Where there is more than one Tenant executing this Lease, all Tenants are jointly and severally liable for each other's acts, omissions, and liabilities pursuant to this Lease.
34. Locks may not be added or changed without the prior written agreement of both Parties, or unless the changes are made in compliance with the Act.
35. The Tenant will be charged an additional amount of $_________ for each N.S.F. check or checks returned by the Tenant's financial institution.
36. Headings are inserted for the convenience of the Parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Lease. Words in the singular mean and include the plural and vice versa. Words in the masculine mean and include the feminine and vice versa.
37. Time is of the essence in this Lease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF _________, _________ have duly affixed their signatures on this________day of ________________, ________.

________________________________
Landlord: _________

_________________________________
Tenant: _________

The Tenant acknowledges receiving a duplicate copy of this Lease signed by the Tenant and the Landlord on the________day of ________________, ________.

_________________________________
Tenant: _________
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