Iowa Habitability and Repair Duties (Sec. 562A.15)

Iowa Code Sec. 562A.15(1) requires the landlord to 'make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition,' comply with codes 'materially affecting health and safety,' keep common areas clean and safe, maintain all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating and air-conditioning facilities, and 'supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat.' If the landlord materially breaches, the tenant may serve written notice under Sec. 562A.21 terminating the agreement in not less than seven days if the breach is not cured. For lost heat, water or essential services, Sec. 562A.23 lets the tenant procure the service and deduct the cost, recover reduced rental value, or recover rent paid pro rata.

Tenants may terminate after a 7-day uncured breach (Sec. 562A.21), recover damages and injunctive relief, and for lost essential services repair-and-deduct or recover diminished rental value (Sec. 562A.23); a willful breach allows recovery of reasonable attorney fees.