Iowa Code ch. 562A § 562A.26
Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service
Operative Text
If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of electric, gas, water, or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession pursuant to section 648.1, subsection 1, or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover the actual damages sustained by the tenant, punitive damages not to exceed twice the monthly rental payment, and reasonable attorney fees. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security.
Iowa Code § 562A.26 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, removes them from their home, or deliberately cuts off essential utilities such as electricity, gas, or water. Under this provision, a tenant facing such conduct may either seek to regain possession of the rental unit or end the rental agreement entirely. In either case, the tenant is entitled to recover actual damages, punitive damages capped at twice the monthly rent, and reasonable attorney fees; if the agreement is terminated, the landlord must also return all prepaid rent and security deposits.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Iowa Code § 562A.26 makes clear that property owners and managers must never resort to self-help eviction tactics—such as changing locks, physically removing a tenant, or shutting off utilities—as a substitute for lawful eviction proceedings. Compliant operators maintain uninterrupted essential services (electricity, gas, water, and similar utilities) throughout the tenancy and pursue any necessary removal of a tenant exclusively through the court process outlined in Iowa law. Violations expose a landlord to liability for the tenant's actual damages, punitive damages up to double the monthly rent, attorney fees, and the return of all prepaid rent and security.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code § 562A.26 gives tenants meaningful remedies if a landlord unlawfully locks them out or deliberately interrupts essential services like electricity, gas, or water. A tenant in that situation generally has the option to pursue repossession of the unit through Iowa's forcible entry and detainer process or to terminate the rental agreement, and may seek actual damages, punitive damages up to twice the monthly rent, and reasonable attorney fees in either path. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, Iowa Legal Aid, or consulting an attorney to understand which enforcement options are 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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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation