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Des Moines, IA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Just cause eviction rules in Des Moines, IA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.

Key Facts

Just-cause required
No
Notice period
30 days written
Statute
Iowa Code 562A
Retaliation barred
Yes
Severity
Permissive

Summary

Des Moines does not impose a just-cause eviction standard. Under the Iowa URLTA, Iowa Code Ch. 562A, landlords may end month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice for any non-discriminatory reason.

562A.34 Periodic tenancy — holdover remedies. 1. The landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least ten days prior to the termination date specified in the notice. 2. The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice. 3. The landlord or the tenant may terminate a tenancy having a term longer than month-to-month by a written notice given to the other at least thirty days prior to the end of the first or subsequent term of the tenancy specified in the notice.

Source: Iowa Code Chapter 562AView official code

Full Breakdown

Iowa is a non-just-cause state. Through the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Iowa Code Ch. 562A, a landlord may terminate a month-to-month tenancy with thirty days written notice without stating a substantive reason, so long as the notice is not based on a protected class or in retaliation for asserting URLTA rights. Fixed-term leases run to expiration unless cause exists. Des Moines has not enacted a local just-cause overlay, and given Iowa preemption practice it likely could not. Tenants in income-restricted units may receive additional federal cause protections, but there is no city-wide standard.

Violations & Fines

Improper notice (less than 30 days, no writing, retaliatory or discriminatory) is a defense in a forcible entry and detainer action and may give rise to URLTA damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my landlord need a reason to non-renew my lease?
Generally no. Outside protected-class or retaliation contexts, an Iowa landlord can end a month-to-month tenancy with thirty days written notice without stating a substantive cause.
What if I think the eviction is retaliatory?
Raise it as a defense in court. Iowa Code 562A bars retaliation for code complaints or asserting URLTA rights, and the burden may shift to the landlord.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

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All Des Moines rules

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