Statute of Limitations on Debt in Iowa
How long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt in Iowa, and whether a payment restarts the clock.
Short answer: 10 years for actions founded on written contracts. Claims for unpaid rent have a separate 5-year limit. Iowa Code § 614.1(5)
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 10 years for actions founded on written contracts. Claims for unpaid rent have a separate 5-year limit. Iowa Code 2026 text. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(5) |
|---|---|
| Time limit for credit cards and open accounts | 5 years for actions founded on unwritten contracts, which can include open accounts that are not based on a signed written agreement. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | A contract debt is revived by a written admission, signed by the debtor, that the debt is unpaid, or by a similar signed written promise to pay. The statute does not address partial payments. Source: Iowa Code § 614.11 |
Where to get help in Iowa
- Iowa Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division (administers the Iowa Consumer Credit Code, including debt collector notification)
- File a complaint or claim
More Iowa debt & collections
- Wage Garnishment in Iowa
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Iowa
- What Creditors Can't Take in Iowa
- All Iowa debt & collections rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Iowa?
10 years for actions founded on written contracts. Claims for unpaid rent have a separate 5-year limit.
How long can a creditor sue on a credit card debt in Iowa?
5 years for actions founded on unwritten contracts, which can include open accounts that are not based on a signed written agreement.
Does making a payment restart the statute of limitations in Iowa?
A contract debt is revived by a written admission, signed by the debtor, that the debt is unpaid, or by a similar signed written promise to pay.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.