Iowa Code ch. 231C § 231C.13
Retaliation by assisted living program prohibited
Operative Text
An assisted living program shall not discriminate or retaliate in any way against a tenant, tenant’s family, or an employee of the program who has initiated or participated in any proceeding authorized by this chapter. An assisted living program that violates this section is subject to a penalty as established by administrative rule in accordance with chapter 17A, to be assessed and collected by the department, paid into the state treasury, and credited to the general fund of the state.
Iowa Code ch. 231C § 231C.13 prohibits assisted living programs from discriminating against or retaliating toward tenants, their family members, or program employees who have taken part in any proceeding authorized under Chapter 231C. The prohibition covers any form of adverse treatment connected to that participation. Violations expose the program to a financial penalty set by administrative rule under Iowa Code ch. 17A, which is assessed and collected by the state department and deposited into the state general fund.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of assisted living programs subject to Iowa Code ch. 231C § 231C.13 are expected to ensure that no adverse action—such as eviction, reduced services, or workplace discipline—is taken against a tenant, a tenant's family member, or a staff member because of their involvement in a Chapter 231C proceeding. Compliant programs typically maintain clear non-retaliation policies and train management staff on this obligation. Because penalties are set by administrative rule under ch. 17A and collected by the department, a substantiated violation can result in a formal financial assessment paid into the state treasury.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Iowa Code ch. 231C § 231C.13, tenants and their family members in assisted living programs have a protected right to participate in Chapter 231C proceedings without facing discrimination or retaliation from the program. If a tenant believes the program has taken adverse action in response to such participation, options may include filing a complaint with the Iowa department responsible for administering assisted living programs or raising the violation in an authorized proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Iowa elder-care law can help explain what documentation and steps are generally associated with pursuing a retaliation claim under this section.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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