Housing assistance in Iowa

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Iowa

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Iowa

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

A security deposit cannot be more than 2 months' rent. It must be held in a federally insured bank, savings and loan or credit union, separate from the landlord's own money.

Iowa Code § 562A.12(1)–(2)

Deposit return deadline

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 of the specific reasons for keeping any of it. A landlord who misses the deadline loses the right to keep any part, and keeping a deposit in bad faith can bring punitive damages of up to 2 months' rent plus actual damages. If the tenant gives no address within 1 year, the deposit goes to the landlord.

Iowa Code § 562A.12(3), (4), (7)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

3 days' written notice of nonpayment stating that the lease will end if rent is not paid within that time. For other material lease violations, the notice period is 7 days to fix the problem.

Iowa Code § 562A.27(1)–(2)

Landlord entry notice

At least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable. A landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant.

Iowa Code § 562A.19

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: Iowa cities cannot adopt or enforce any ordinance limiting the rent charged for private residential or commercial property.

Iowa Code § 364.3(9)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

There is a limited repair-and-deduct defense to eviction for nonpayment. It applies if the landlord violated the lease or the duty to maintain, the tenant gave notice at least 7 days before rent was due of the intent to fix the problem at the landlord's expense, the repair cost no more than 1 month's rent, and it was done in good faith before an eviction notice. Tenants may also give 7 days' written notice to end the lease if the problem is not fixed, or sue for damages and an order requiring repairs. In an eviction case the court can have rent paid into court while a counterclaim is decided.

Iowa Code §§ 562A.27(4), 562A.21, 562A.24

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Iowa

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Iowa resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Iowa Code § 562A.12 Rental depositsIowa Legislature
2. Iowa Code § 562A.27 Noncompliance with rental agreement — failure to pay rentIowa Legislature
3. Iowa Code § 562A.19 AccessIowa Legislature
4. Iowa Code § 562A.21 Noncompliance by the landlordIowa Legislature
5. Iowa Code § 562A.24 Landlord's noncompliance as defenseIowa Legislature
6. Iowa Code § 364.3 Limitation of powers (cities)Iowa Legislature
7. Code & Acts Sections Amended - 2026 ReportIowa Legislature
8. Low-Income Home Energy AssistanceIowa Department of Health and Human Services
9. Weatherization AssistanceIowa Department of Health and Human Services
10. Get HelpIowa Legal Aid
11. Des Moines Municipal Housing AgencyCity of Des Moines
12. Housing ServicesCity of Cedar Rapids
13. Eastern Iowa Regional Housing AuthorityEastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority