Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Iowa

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Iowa law says

Itemized deductions	Written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any portion; if withheld for restoration, it must specify the nature of the damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease, restoring the unit to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and costs of recovering possession from a tenant who fails in bad faith to vacate. Landlord bears the burden of proof. A landlord who fails to send the statement within 30 days forfeits all rights to withhold any portion (§ 562A.12(4)). Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. The landlord may withhold from the deposit amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease, to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and to recover expenses of regaining possession from a tenant who did not leave in good faith after a noncompliance notice. The landlord bears the burden of proving the reason for any withholding. Cleaning, painting, and carpet are not specifically addressed; they may be charged only to the extent needed to restore move-in condition beyond ordinary wear and tear. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)

Itemized deductions

Written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any portion; if withheld for restoration, it must specify the nature of the damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease, restoring the unit to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and costs of recovering possession from a tenant who fails in bad faith to vacate. Landlord bears the burden of proof.

A landlord who fails to send the statement within 30 days forfeits all rights to withhold any portion (§ 562A.12(4)).

Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. The landlord may withhold from the deposit amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease, to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and to recover expenses of regaining possession from a tenant who did not leave in good faith after a noncompliance notice. The landlord bears the burden of proving the reason for any withholding.

Cleaning, painting, and carpet are not specifically addressed; they may be charged only to the extent needed to restore move-in condition beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist 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.