Iowa Code Ch. 562A.12 limits residential security deposits to two months rent and requires return within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Des Moines follows this state standard.
The Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Iowa Code Ch. 562A.12, caps security deposits on residential leases at two months rent. After the tenancy ends and the tenant has provided a forwarding address, the landlord has thirty days to either return the deposit or provide a written, itemized statement explaining any deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear. Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to actual damages plus a statutory penalty up to two hundred dollars and reasonable attorney fees. Des Moines does not impose stricter limits and relies on the Iowa statute as the operative standard.
Withholding the deposit beyond thirty days, charging more than two months rent, or making non-itemized deductions can lead to refund of the deposit plus statutory damages and attorney fees.
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