The bill amends various sections of Iowa's property law, specifically addressing rental agreements, notice requirements, and possession of property. Key changes include a broader definition of "rent" to encompass base rent, utilities, late fees, and other payments made by tenants. It introduces new provisions for serving notices via electronic mail, contingent upon explicit consent from both landlords and tenants, and establishes that notices posted on the primary entrance door of a dwelling unit must include the date of posting. Additionally, the bill clarifies that any prohibited provisions in rental agreements are unenforceable, and if a landlord willfully enforces such provisions, tenants may recover damages.

Further amendments include changes to the process of eviction, allowing for video conference hearings in forcible entry and detainer actions, and extending the time frame for peaceable possession claims from thirty to sixty days. The bill also introduces a new section for the expungement and sealing of court records related to nonpayment of rent, allowing defendants to have records sealed under specific circumstances, such as prevailing in court or having the case dismissed. Overall, the bill aims to modernize rental law in Iowa, enhance tenant protections, and streamline legal processes related to rental agreements and evictions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 562A.6, 562A.11, 562A.29A, 618.15, 562B.20, 562B.27A, 648.22
Reprinted: 562A.6, 562A.8, 562A.11, 562A.29A, 618.15, 562B.9, 562B.11, 562B.20, 562B.27A, 648.3, 648.4, 648.5, 648.22