Debt Validation Letter in Iowa
Ask a debt collector to prove a debt. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), if you dispute in writing within the validation period, the collector must stop collecting until it sends verification. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy.
What Iowa law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. The Iowa Debt Collection Practices Act (part of the Iowa Consumer Credit Code) bans illegal threats, coercion, harassment and misleading practices by any 'debt collector', defined to include anyone collecting a debt for themselves, their employer or others. It therefore covers original creditors. § 537.7102: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/537.7102.pdf |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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 |
Fill it in
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.
[today's date]
To: [collection agency name], [collector address]
Re: Account number [account or reference number]
I am writing in response to your [letter or call] dated [date of contact]. I dispute this debt and request validation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please send me the name of the original creditor, the amount you claim and how it was calculated, and documents showing that you own or are authorized to collect this debt.
Until you provide this verification, please stop collection activity on this account, and contact me only in writing at the address below.
[your name], [your mailing address]
Debt Validation Letter for other states · Iowa tenant rights
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.