Iowa Code ch. 29A § 29A.101
Termination of lease or rental agreement — exceptions
Operative Text
1. A landlord shall not terminate the lease or rental agreement of a service member or the service member’s dependents for nonpayment of rent from any premises used as a dwelling by the service member or dependents during the period of military service if the rent on the premises occupied by the service member or dependents is less than one thousand two hundred dollars per month. However, a court may allow an eviction or the recovery of property pursuant to chapter 646 or 648. 2. In any action affecting the right of possession, the court may, on its own motion, stay the proceedings for not longer than three months, or make any order the court determines to be reasonable and just under the circumstances, unless the court finds that the ability of the service member to pay the agreed rent is not materially affected by reason of military service. 3. When a stay is granted or other order is made by the court, the owner of the premises shall be entitled, upon application, to relief with respect to the premises similar to that granted service members in military service in sections 29A.102 through 29A.104 to the extent and for any period as the court determines to be just and reasonable under the circumstances. 4. A person who knowingly takes part in any eviction or distress otherwise than as provided in subsection 1, or attempts to do so, commits a simple misdemeanor. 5. The governor may order an allotment of the pay of a service member in military service in reasonable proportion to discharge the rent of premises occupied for dwelling purposes by any dependents of the service member.
Iowa Code § 29A.101 protects service members and their dependents from lease termination or eviction for nonpayment of rent during a period of military service, provided the monthly rent is under $1,200. Courts handling possession actions have discretion to pause proceedings for up to three months or issue other equitable orders, unless the service member's ability to pay is not materially affected by military service. Landlords who receive a court stay may themselves seek certain protections under related provisions, and anyone who knowingly circumvents these rules by pursuing an unauthorized eviction commits a simple misdemeanor under Iowa law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code § 29A.101, operators of residential properties must refrain from terminating a lease or pursuing eviction for nonpayment of rent against a service member or their dependents when the monthly rent is below $1,200 and the tenant is in active military service. Compliant property managers typically verify a tenant's military status before initiating any nonpayment action and recognize that a court may independently stay eviction proceedings. Landlords who are subject to a court-ordered stay may apply for their own financial relief under §§ 29A.102–29A.104, and knowingly proceeding with an unauthorized eviction exposes a person to simple misdemeanor liability.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code § 29A.101 gives service members and their dependents a legal shield against lease termination or eviction for nonpayment of rent during military service, as long as the monthly rent is under $1,200. If an eviction action is filed, a court may stay the proceedings on its own initiative for up to three months or craft another order it finds reasonable, which tenants may raise as a defense in any possession proceeding. Tenants who believe a landlord is attempting an eviction in violation of § 29A.101 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization, a military legal assistance office, or an attorney familiar with Iowa's servicemember protections to understand the options available to them.
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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