Iowa Security Deposit Itemization Letter Template
What a Iowa security deposit itemization letter must include under Iowa law, and a fill-in draft that follows those rules.
What Iowa law requires
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part; if withheld for restoring the unit, the statement must specify the nature of the damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease; restoring the unit to its move-in condition less ordinary wear and tear; and costs of recovering possession from a tenant who did not act in good faith. A landlord who misses the 30-day statement forfeits the right to withhold. If no address is given within one year, the deposit reverts to the landlord. Bad-faith retention: actual damages plus punitive damages up to twice the monthly rent.
Source: Iowa Code §562A.12(3), (4), (7)
Fill-in draft
Replace every [bracketed] item. If your state or city requires specific wording, a specific form, or a translated version, that requirement controls over this draft. Courts dismiss eviction cases over defective notices — if anything is unclear, talk to a lawyer.
STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS
To: [former tenant name(s)], at [forwarding address]
Premises: [street address, unit]
Tenancy ended / possession returned on: [date]
Deposit held: $[amount] Interest (if required): $[amount]
Deductions (itemized): [item — reason — cost], [item — reason — cost]
Amount returned: $[amount], sent by [method] on [date]. This statement is provided under Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)-(4).
Date: [date]
Landlord or agent: [name, address, phone]
Signature: ____________________
Proof of delivery: Delivered on [date] by [method required by Iowa law] by [name].
← All Iowa landlord-tenant rules
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.