Iowa Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Iowa security deposit demand letter that follows Iowa law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Iowa law says
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding. If no address is provided within one year, the deposit reverts to the landlord. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)-(4) |
|---|---|
| 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. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) |
| Penalty for withholding | Bad-faith retention: actual damages plus punitive damages of up to twice the monthly rent; court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(7)-(8) |
| 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. Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)-(4), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Iowa Code § 562A.12(7)-(8).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.