Eviction in Black Hawk County, Iowa

Where eviction cases are filed in Black Hawk County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Black Hawk County

Eviction court: Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County (First Judicial District) — Iowa District Court (small claims - forcible entry and detainer) Court page
Filing fee: $115 to file a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action in small claims (FED actions with $6,500 or less in damages); $215 if the FED is filed as a civil case Iowa Judicial Branch - Civil Court Fees (Iowa Code § 631.6; § 602.8105(1)(a)), updated for 2026 legislative changes
Notice before filing (state law): 3 days' written notice of nonpayment and of the landlord's intent to terminate if rent is not paid within that period. After that notice, no separate 3-day notice to quit is required before filing. Iowa rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,051/month HUD
Renter households: 18,424 (34% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Black Hawk County

Eviction cases in Black Hawk County are heard by the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County (First Judicial District) (Iowa District Court (small claims - forcible entry and detainer)).

Black Hawk County Courthouse - Clerk of District Court — 316 E. 5th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703; 319-833-3331; countyclerk.blackhawk@iowacourts.gov · website

Court eviction page · Self-help center

A forcible entry and detainer action arising out of a landlord-tenant dispute can be brought in small claims court, filed with the clerk of district court.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Black Hawk County

$115 to file a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action in small claims (FED actions with $6,500 or less in damages); $215 if the FED is filed as a civil case

Statewide fee schedule. Service costs are separate.

Source: Iowa Judicial Branch - Civil Court Fees (Iowa Code § 631.6; § 602.8105(1)(a)), updated for 2026 legislative changes

The Iowa eviction process

Iowa state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Black Hawk County:

Serve written notice: 3-day notice to pay (nonpayment), 7-day notice to cure (lease violation), 30-day notice (month-to-month), or 3-day notice for clear and present danger
If required, serve a 3-day notice to quit (not needed after a 3-day nonpayment termination notice)
File a forcible entry and detainer petition; court sets a hearing within 8 days of filing (up to 15 days if plaintiff requests)
Serve original notice at least 3 days before the hearing (acknowledged delivery, personal service, or posting plus regular and certified mail after two failed attempts)
Hearing before the court (tried as an equitable action, no jury in small claims)
Judgment for removal; execution for the defendant's removal issues within 3 days of judgment and is carried out by the sheriff

Full Iowa eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Black Hawk County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$725
1 bedroom	$801
2 bedrooms	$1,051
3 bedrooms	$1,357
4 bedrooms	$1,763

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Black Hawk County: $989/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure is governed by state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Black Hawk County

Free legal help

Iowa Legal Aid — Free legal services for low-income Iowans, including eviction help; apply via the Get Help page (https://www.iowalegalaid.org/get-help/).

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Black Hawk County

Other Iowa counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Black Hawk County?

Eviction cases in Black Hawk County are filed with the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County (First Judicial District).

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Black Hawk County?

$115 to file a forcible entry and detainer (FED) action in small claims (FED actions with $6,500 or less in damages); $215 if the FED is filed as a civil case.

Where can I get help with an eviction in Black Hawk County?

Iowa Legal Aid.

What is the fair market rent in Black Hawk County?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,051 per month (1-bedroom: $801).

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.