Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Iowa

Iowa: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. Interest: conditional. Penalty if the deposit is kept in bad faith: 2x the monthly rent. (Iowa Code 562A.12)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, other lease obligations, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: Conditional.
Penalty: 2x the monthly rent if the deposit is kept in bad faith.
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

A landlord shall, within thirty days from the date of termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions, return the rental deposit to the tenant or furnish to the tenant a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding of the rental deposit or any portion thereof.

Iowa Code 562A.12(3)(a). Source: Iowa Code 562A.12 Rental deposits (Iowa Code 2026), read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (2)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Penalty basis is monthly rent, not the deposit: 'basis: monthly_rent' is outside the brief's enum and needs the engine to use monthly_rent_usd.
Source: Iowa Code 2026 PDF from legis.iowa.gov; last amended 2014.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Iowa Code 562A.12 (Iowa)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Iowa Code 562A.12.

Settle a deposit in Iowa

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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