Iowa Landlord Entry Rules (Sec. 562A.19)

Iowa Code Sec. 562A.19(3) provides that 'except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least twenty-four hours' notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.' A landlord 'may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency' under subsection 2. The tenant 'shall not unreasonably withhold consent' to entry to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply services, or exhibit the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors. Apart from these, a landlord has no right of access except by court order or if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.

A landlord who makes unlawful entry or repeated demands for entry that harass the tenant may face injunctive relief and damages; the tenant may also terminate the rental agreement under Iowa Code Sec. 562A.27 procedures for abuse of access.