All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Johnson County, Iowa

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

Quick facts: eviction in Johnson County

Eviction court
Iowa District Court for Johnson County (Sixth 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 regular civil case Iowa Judicial Branch - Civil Court Fees (Iowa Code § 631.6; § 602.8105(1)(a))
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)
$1,141/month HUD
Renter households
25,736 (41% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Johnson County

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

Court eviction page

Evictions are filed as forcible entry and detainer (FED) actions with the clerk of district court in the county where the property is located.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Johnson 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 regular civil case

Statewide fee schedule, updated to reflect 2026 Iowa legislative changes. Small claims appeal: $215.

Source: Iowa Judicial Branch - Civil Court Fees (Iowa Code § 631.6; § 602.8105(1)(a))

How eviction cases work locally

FED hearing schedule and eviction help deskFED hearings are scheduled every Monday starting at 12:15 p.m. Iowa Legal Aid runs an eviction diversion help desk on the second floor of the Johnson County Courthouse; attorneys are on site during eviction hearings (representation not guaranteed) and may refer tenants to rental-assistance partners. Arrive about 45 minutes before your hearing.
Source: Official source

The Iowa eviction process

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

  1. 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
  2. If required, serve a 3-day notice to quit (not needed after a 3-day nonpayment termination notice)
  3. File a forcible entry and detainer petition; court sets a hearing within 8 days of filing (up to 15 days if plaintiff requests)
  4. 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)
  5. Hearing before the court (tried as an equitable action, no jury in small claims)
  6. 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 Johnson County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Iowa City, IA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$880
1 bedroom$961
2 bedrooms$1,141
3 bedrooms$1,587
4 bedrooms$1,914

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Johnson County: $1,122/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

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

Eviction help in Johnson County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Johnson County

Other Iowa counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Johnson County?
Eviction cases in Johnson County are filed with the Iowa District Court for Johnson County (Sixth Judicial District).
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Johnson 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 regular civil case.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Johnson County?
Iowa Legal Aid.
What is the fair market rent in Johnson County?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,141 per month (1-bedroom: $961).

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.