Rental Property Rules in Iowa City, IA (2026)
5 verified rental property rules for Iowa City, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Iowa City has no rent-control ordinance and cannot adopt one. Iowa Code section 364.3(12)(a) expressly bars cities from adopting any ordinance that sets the amount of rent charged for private residential property. Rent is set by lease.
Iowa City Rent Control: Preempted by State Law
Few RestrictionsJust Cause Eviction
Iowa City has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Termination of residential tenancies is governed by the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code chapter 562A), which permits no-cause termination of month-to-month tenancies on 30 days' notice.
Iowa City Just-Cause Eviction: Governed by Iowa URLTA
Few RestrictionsIowa Code § 562A
(2) The actual or threatened eviction, or causing the actual or threatened eviction, from the premises. d. Any waiver of the provisions of this subsection is contrary to public policy and is void, unenforceable, and of no force or effect.
Rental Registration
Iowa City requires every residential rental dwelling to hold a Rental Permit under City Code Title 17 Chapter 5. Section 17-5-16 conditions issuance on a passing structure-compliance inspection. Housing Inspection Services in Neighborhood and Development Services administers the program.
Iowa City Rental Permits (Title 17, Chapter 5)
Heavy RestrictionsRental Inspection Programs
Iowa City runs one of Iowa's most comprehensive rental-inspection programs under Title 17 Chapter 5. Housing Inspection Services applies the City's minimum structure standards (section 17-5-18) on a periodic cycle and on complaint, and a passing inspection is required for permit issuance.
Iowa City Rental Housing Inspections (Title 17, Ch. 5)
Heavy RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Iowa City security deposits follow the Iowa URLTA. Iowa Code 562A.12 caps the deposit at two months' rent, requires return or written itemized deductions within 30 days of tenancy termination and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Iowa City Security Deposits: Iowa Code 562A.12
Some RestrictionsIowa Code § 562A.12
A landlord shall not demand or receive as a security deposit an amount or value in excess of two months’ rent. 2. All rental deposits shall be held by the landlord for the tenant, who is a party to the agreement, in a bank or savings and loan association or credit union which is insured by an agency of the federal government.
Looking for Johnson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Iowa City city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Johnson County →