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Des Moines, IA Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Maximum deposit
Two months rent
Refund deadline
30 days after move-out
Itemized statement
Required for deductions
Statute
Iowa Code 562A.12
Severity
Moderate

Summary

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.

562A.12 Rental deposits. 1. 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... in a bank or savings and loan association or credit union which is insured by an agency of the federal government. Rental deposits shall not be commingled with the personal funds of the landlord... 3. a. A landlord shall, within thirty days from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the rental deposit to the tenant or furnish to the tenant a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding of the rental deposit or any portion thereof.

Source: Iowa Code Section 562A.12View official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big can my landlord's security deposit be?
Up to two months rent. Iowa Code 562A.12 caps residential deposits at two months, regardless of credit history, pets, or other risk factors.
When must my deposit be returned?
Within thirty days of the end of tenancy, provided the tenant supplies a forwarding address. Deductions must be itemized in a written statement to the tenant.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

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All Des Moines rules

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