Iowa remains a landlord-friendly state in 2025, with no statewide or local rent control. However, there are important rules regarding how and when landlords can raise rents, as well as key protections for tenants.
No Rent Control or Rent Caps
- Iowa law prohibits rent control at both the state and local levels. There is no legal limit on the amount or percentage a landlord can raise rent, and cities are not allowed to enact their own rent control ordinances.
Notice Requirements
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
- For fixed-term leases (e.g., one-year leases), rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for it. Any increase can only take effect after the lease expires or is renewed.
- The notice must clearly state the new rent amount and the effective date. Written notice is required to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
Frequency of Rent Increases
- Landlords may only increase rent at the end of a lease term, renewal, or extension—not during an active lease unless the lease allows it.
- For most tenancies, there is no statutory limit on how often rent can be raised, but practical limitations are imposed by lease terms and notice requirements.
Tenant Protections
- Landlords cannot raise rent in a discriminatory manner based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, or other protected categories.
- Retaliatory rent increases (for example, in response to a tenant filing a complaint) are prohibited.
- Tenants have the right to dispute unfair or improperly noticed rent increases, and can seek assistance from organizations like Iowa Legal Aid.
Special Rules for Subsidized Housing
- For tenants in HOME or National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)-assisted units, annual rent reviews and approvals are required by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). Rent increases must be submitted for approval, and tenants must receive at least 15 days’ notice before a rent increase request is submitted, plus 30 days’ notice before any approved increase takes effect.
Table: Iowa Rent Increase Laws 2025
| Lease Type | Notice Required | Rent Cap? | Frequency Limit? | Discrimination/Retaliation Protections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | No | No statutory | Yes |
| Fixed-Term (in-term) | Not allowed* | No | No statutory | Yes |
| Subsidized (HOME/NHTF) | 15 days before request, 30 days before increase | Yes (by program) | Annual review | Yes |
*Unless the lease specifically allows mid-term increases.
Key Takeaways for Iowa Tenants in 2025:
- There are no rent control laws or caps on rent increases in Iowa.
- Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases on month-to-month leases.
- Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.
- Discriminatory or retaliatory rent increases are illegal.
- Tenants in subsidized housing have additional protections and advance notice requirements.
Staying informed about your lease terms and rights can help you respond appropriately to any rent increase in Iowa.
Sources
[1] https://opportunityiowa.gov/media/6671/download?inline
[2] https://www.turbotenant.com/rental-lease-agreement/iowa/laws/
[3] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/iowa-rent-control-laws/
[4] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/iowa-tenant-landlord-law/
[5] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-iowa
