Iowa Code ch. 562A § 562A.32
Remedy after termination
Operative Text
If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord may have a claim for possession and for rent and a separate claim for actual damages for breach of the rental agreement and reasonable attorney fees as provided in section 562A.27.
Under Iowa Code § 562A.32, when a rental agreement is terminated, the law allows a landlord to pursue two distinct types of claims: one for regaining possession of the property and collecting unpaid rent, and a separate one for actual damages caused by the tenant's breach of the agreement, along with reasonable attorney fees as referenced in § 562A.27. These claims can be pursued independently of one another, meaning a landlord is not limited to a single combined remedy. The provision establishes the scope of remedies available following a termination, rather than creating new obligations for either party.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code § 562A.32, property owners and managers who have terminated a rental agreement generally document all losses carefully, including unpaid rent, costs to restore the unit, and any other actual damages attributable to the breach. Compliant operators typically maintain records that support both a possession claim and a separate damages claim, since the statute treats these as distinct causes of action. Reasonable attorney fees may also be recoverable as outlined in § 562A.27, making thorough documentation of legal costs a common practice among operators pursuing these remedies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code § 562A.32 means that after a rental agreement is terminated, a landlord may pursue a tenant for more than just unpaid rent — actual damages from a breach and reasonable attorney fees under § 562A.27 may also be sought through separate legal claims. Tenants who believe a termination was improper or that claimed damages are overstated may have grounds to raise those issues as defenses in any resulting legal proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services in Iowa can help renters understand what types of damages are legally recoverable and what documentation may be relevant to contesting such claims.
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