Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.16
Priority of assignment
Operative Text
Such actions shall be accorded reasonable priority for assignment to assure their prompt disposition. No continuance shall be granted for the purpose of taking testimony in writing.
Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.16 establishes that forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions in Iowa are entitled to reasonable scheduling priority in the courts, so that these cases move forward without unnecessary delay. The provision also bars continuances that are sought solely to allow testimony to be submitted in written form rather than presented in person. Together, these rules are designed to ensure that eviction proceedings are resolved promptly rather than being drawn out by procedural maneuvers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.16, eviction proceedings are given scheduling priority, which generally means landlords can expect these cases to be heard relatively quickly once filed. Because continuances for the purpose of taking written testimony are not permitted, property owners and managers should be prepared to present live testimony at hearings rather than relying on written statements as a substitute. Operators familiar with this provision typically ensure that witnesses are available to appear in person when a hearing date is set.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.16 gives tenants the assurance that eviction cases will be scheduled promptly, meaning the court process should not drag on indefinitely. The rule also means that neither side can delay a hearing simply by requesting time to submit written testimony instead of appearing in person, so tenants should be aware that hearings may proceed on a relatively tight timeline. Tenants facing eviction proceedings may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how these procedural rules apply to their situation.
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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