This bill amends Iowa's landlord and tenant law by clarifying definitions, notice requirements, and eviction procedures. It redefines "rent" to encompass base rent, utilities, late fees, and other tenant payments. The bill also modifies the computation of time for serving notices, specifying that the first day is excluded while the final day is included, regardless of weekends or holidays. Additionally, it changes the terminology from "using" to "enforcing" in relation to prohibited provisions in rental agreements. A significant addition is the requirement for sealing court records in eviction actions, which must occur within three days under certain conditions, such as a not guilty verdict or case dismissal.

Moreover, the bill allows for the disposal of a defendant's personal property left on the premises after removal, with exceptions for mobile homes, and extends the period of peaceable possession from 30 to 90 days as a barrier to forcible entry and detainer proceedings. It establishes new regulations for sealing court records, ensuring that sealed records and associated documents are not publicly accessible unless requested by the defendant or their attorney for specific purposes. The state court administrator is responsible for maintaining aggregate records of filings while protecting the identities of the parties involved. Importantly, the provisions regarding sealing do not apply if a defendant has been found guilty and a money judgment has been awarded, and they do not create an independent cause of action for tenants based on lawfully obtained information. The new regulations 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