Eviction notice rules in Iowa
Nonpayment notice
3-day written notice to pay or quit (Iowa Code § 562A.27(2)). Paying in full within 3 days stops the termination. Section 648.3(1) excuses a separate notice to quit once the 3-day rent notice has been served.
Lease-violation notice
7-day notice to cure for material noncompliance with the rental agreement or a § 562A.17 health/safety duty; the agreement terminates on a date at least 7 days after receipt if not remedied (§ 562A.27(1)).
Unconditional quit (no second chance)
Clear-and-present danger (assault, illegal firearms, illegal drug possession) → single 3-day notice of termination and notice to quit, no cure, with required statutory exemption language (§ 562A.27A). No prior notice at all is required against a tenant who took possession by force, fraud, or stealth (§ 648.3(1)).
No-cause / end-of-tenancy notice
Month-to-month: at least 30 days' written notice (§ 562A.34). Week-to-week: at least 10 days (§ 562A.34). Nonrenewal: 30 days (or 90 days for certain federally-assisted tenancies).
How the notice must be served
Personal delivery; posting plus mailing by BOTH regular and certified mail; or delivery evidenced by a signed, dated acknowledgment from a resident at least 18 (§§ 562A.29A, 562B.27A). Caution: magistrates in many counties now routinely require a filed affidavit of service or they will dismiss the case.
Your right to fix it (cure)
Nonpayment: 3 days to pay. Material noncompliance: 7 days to remedy. Repeat of the same violation within 6 months → 7-day termination with no second cure.
How days are counted
Weekends and holidays COUNT toward every notice period (per Iowa Judicial Branch guidance); the day of service is excluded.
After the notice expires
Landlord must file a Forcible Entry and Detainer action (Iowa Code Ch. 648) in small claims; tenant need not leave until a court order. Court can stay an eviction order for up to 10 days (JCRCP 110).
Court timeline
Small-claims FED hearing typically within days to a few weeks of filing; sheriff enforces after any stay. Exact docket timing varies by county.
Retaliation & defenses
Retaliatory conduct prohibited (Iowa Code § 562A.36) — retaliation is a defense and supports damages. Self-help barred (§ 562A.33).
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