The bill amends Section 384.84 of the Iowa Code to enhance landlord notification requirements regarding city utilities. Specifically, it mandates that if a tenant is sixty days delinquent on their utility payments, the city utility must provide written notice to the landlord at least ten days before service is discontinued. This replaces the previous requirement that only applied if the landlord had made a written request for notice. Additionally, when a tenant requests a change of name for service under the account, the utility must notify the landlord if they have requested such notifications.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that residential rental properties where tenants pay for certain services directly to the city utility are exempt from liens for delinquent charges, provided the landlord notifies the utility of the tenant's responsibility for those charges. The bill allows for written notice to be submitted through various means, including online forms and electronic communication. It also establishes that a change in tenant or ownership requires timely notification to the utility, and outlines conditions under which deposits for utility services are to be returned. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 384.84
Reprinted: 384.84