How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Iowa?
An Iowa landlord has 30 days from the end of the tenancy and the tenant’s mailing address to return the deposit or explain in writing what it keeps, or it loses the right to withhold anything. Here is how the days are counted.
What is the Iowa deadline to return a security deposit?
A landlord must, within thirty days from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions, return the rental deposit or furnish a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of it (Iowa Code 562A.12(3)). The Iowa security deposit return deadline calculator turns your dates into the deadline.
When does the clock start?
When two things have happened: the tenancy has ended and the landlord has the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions. A tenant who moves out without leaving either one has not started the clock. Give both in writing the day you hand back the keys, and keep a copy.
How are the 30 days counted?
The first day is excluded and the last included, unless the last day falls on a Sunday, in which case the period extends to the following Monday (Iowa Code 4.1(34), applied to chapter 562A by 562A.8A). A tenancy that ended on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 gives a deadline of Friday, November 27; one that ended on Friday, November 6 would end on Sunday, December 6, so the deadline moves to Monday, December 7.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?
A landlord that does not provide a written statement within the thirty days forfeits all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit (562A.12(4)). The tenant is then entitled to the deposit, and a landlord that retains it in bad faith faces punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent in addition to actual damages (562A.12(7)).
Who holds the money in the meantime?
The landlord must hold the deposit in a federally insured bank, savings and loan or credit union and may not commingle it with personal funds; it may be in a trust account, which may be interest-bearing, and interest earned during the first five years of a tenancy belongs to the landlord (562A.12(2)).
What if the building is sold?
The landlord must transfer the deposit, less lawful deductions, to its successor and tell the tenant, or return it. The successor takes on the landlord’s duties, limited to the amount stated in a notice if the tenant does not object within twenty days (562A.12(5), (6)). Keep your receipt.
A worked example
A tenant hands back the keys on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 and gives a mailing address the same day. The 30 days end on Friday, November 27, so the landlord must return the deposit or send its written statement by then. If the tenant gives the address only on Tuesday, November 10, the 30 days run from then and end on Thursday, December 10. The deposit deadline calculator does the same count for your dates.
A checklist for tenants
Give your mailing address or delivery instructions in writing on the day you leave; get a dated receipt for the keys; photograph every room at move-out; calendar the 30 days from that date; and keep the lease, the deposit receipt and any statement with its envelope.
A checklist for landlords
Record the date the tenancy ended and the date you received the tenant’s address; send the deposit or a written statement with the specific reasons within the 30 days; describe the nature of any damages; keep your photographs and invoices, because you carry the burden of proof; and keep the deposit in an insured account that is not mixed with your own money.
Where to get help
Legal aid organizations, the clerk of court in your county and a licensed Iowa attorney can explain the forms and the small claims process. Bring the lease, the statement and your photographs.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does an Iowa landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days from the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions.
What starts the 30 days?
The end of the tenancy and the landlord receiving an address or delivery instructions, whichever is later.
Does a Sunday extend the deadline?
A last day that is a Sunday moves to the following Monday.
What if the landlord is late?
It forfeits all rights to withhold any part of the deposit.
Who keeps the interest on an Iowa deposit?
The landlord, for the first five years of a tenancy.
Official sources
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Iowa statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Iowa attorney.