All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Story County, Iowa

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

Quick facts: eviction in Story County

Eviction court
Iowa District Court for Story County (Second Judicial District) - small claims — District Court (small claims / FED) Court page
Filing fee
Small claims FED (eviction): $115 (FED actions with $6,500 or less in damages). FED filed as a regular civil petition: $215. 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)
$1,153/month HUD
Renter households
17,305 (44% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Story County

Eviction cases in Story County are heard by the Iowa District Court for Story County (Second Judicial District) - small claims (District Court (small claims / FED)).

Court eviction page

Eviction (forcible entry and detainer, FED) actions are filed with the Story County Clerk of Court in Nevada.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Story County

Small claims FED (eviction): $115 (FED actions with $6,500 or less in damages). FED filed as a regular civil petition: $215.

Statewide fee. Service and removal fees are not listed; ask the clerk or sheriff.

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

The Iowa eviction process

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

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

Studio$972
1 bedroom$1,026
2 bedrooms$1,153
3 bedrooms$1,601
4 bedrooms$1,934

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Story County: $1,018/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 Story County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Story County

Other Iowa counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Story County?
Eviction cases in Story County are filed with the Iowa District Court for Story County (Second Judicial District) - small claims.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Story County?
Small claims FED (eviction): $115 (FED actions with $6,500 or less in damages). FED filed as a regular civil petition: $215.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Story County?
Iowa Legal Aid.
What is the fair market rent in Story County?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,153 per month (1-bedroom: $1,026).

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.