This bill amends Iowa's landlord and tenant law by clarifying definitions, modifying notice requirements, and addressing eviction actions. It expands the definition of "rent" to encompass base rent, utilities, late fees, and other tenant payments. The bill also alters the computation of time for service of notices, specifying that the first day is excluded while the final day is included, irrespective of weekends or holidays. Additionally, it changes the terminology regarding the enforcement of prohibited provisions in rental agreements from "uses" to "enforces" and grants landlords access to mobile homes following a tenant's removal. Notably, the bill extends the period for peaceable possession from 30 to 90 days before initiating forcible entry and detainer proceedings and allows landlords to dispose of personal property left behind by tenants, with certain exceptions for mobile homes.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new regulations for sealing court records related to eviction actions, stipulating that sealed records and associated documents must be removed from public access. These records will only be available for inspection upon request by the defendant or their attorney for specific purposes, such as scholarly or governmental use. The state court administrator is responsible for maintaining aggregate records of filings while protecting the identities of the parties involved. The bill also clarifies that the sealing provisions do not apply when a defendant has been found guilty and a money judgment has been awarded to the plaintiff, and it establishes that these provisions do not create an independent cause of action for tenants based on lawfully obtained information. The new regulations regarding sealing court records will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 562A.6, 562A.8, 562A.11, 562A.29A, 618.15, 562B.11, 562B.27A, 648.22