Iowa Code ch. 425 § 425.36
Discrimination in rentals or rent charges
Operative Text
Discrimination by a landlord in the rental of or in rent charges for a homestead because the tenant has received or is eligible for reimbursement under this subchapter is a simple misdemeanor.
Iowa Code § 425.36 makes it a simple misdemeanor for a landlord to discriminate against a tenant in the rental of a homestead or in the rent charged for it based on the tenant's receipt of, or eligibility for, reimbursement under Iowa's homestead tax credit or exemption program. The law treats such discrimination as a criminal offense rather than merely a civil matter. Both the act of refusing to rent and the act of charging different rent on this basis are covered by the provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code § 425.36, property owners and managers are expected to apply the same rental criteria and rent schedules to all applicants and tenants regardless of whether a tenant receives or qualifies for homestead reimbursement benefits. Compliant operators generally avoid any screening, pricing, or lease-renewal practices that single out homestead-program participants for different treatment. Because a violation constitutes a simple misdemeanor, the conduct carries potential criminal consequences rather than just civil liability.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code § 425.36 gives tenants a legal protection against landlords who refuse to rent to them or charge them higher rent because they receive or are eligible for homestead reimbursement benefits. If a tenant believes a landlord has engaged in this type of discrimination, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with local law enforcement or the county attorney's office, since the provision creates a criminal misdemeanor offense. Tenant-rights organizations in Iowa can also help individuals understand what documentation or steps are commonly associated with pursuing such a claim.
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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