Iowa Tenant Rights
Iowa tenants have the responsibility of keeping up their rental, but they also have rights. They are entitled to hot and cold water, safe water, a non-leaking roof, a clean and safe entryway and/or yard, garbage pick up and heating. If there are repairs needed, tenants should notify and permit the landlord to enter the property if necessary.
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Signing the Lease
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There may be fees if you break your lease. Before you sign your lease agreement, read your lease front to back and don't be afraid to ask any questions about your lease. Do a walk through of the whole rental and jot down damages you find, such as dings on doors, stains on carpets, holes in walls or anything you may get charged for when you move out. Have the landlord sign for the things you jotted down and keep a copy of the lease for yourself.
The Fair Housing Act
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You are protected against discrimination. The Fair Housing Act protects you from any discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, family status or disability. If you feel discriminated against, contact your local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office.
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Heat and Air Conditioning
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Try the heater before winter to give the landlord time to fix any problems. Iowa tenants should have heat, but are not necessarily entitled to air conditioning. If there was no A/C unit when you first moved in and if the landlord didn't guarantee to have one installed, you may just have to purchase a portable air conditioning unit and install it. Heat, on the other hand, is considered a necessity during winter, so you are entitled to heat.
Hot and Cold Water
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Running water is considered a necessity in a rental. Iowa tenants should have hot and cold water, as well as safe water. If the running water is brown due to rusting pipes, the landlord is responsible for repairs. If the running water is unsafe due to the city experiencing problems, it's out of the landlord's hands. You have the right to end the lease agreement right away without penalty due to extended unsafe water conditions.
Disposal of Garbage
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If garbage is not picked up weekly, make the landlord aware of it. Your garbage pickup should be part of your lease agreement whether or not it's stated. You may or may not have to pay something towards this service on top of your rent; it's up to the landlord.
Roofs
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Let your landlord know right away if you spot a leaky roof. If there's a problem with the home and you don't report it, you may be liable. Renter's insurance will help protect you from this type of situation if there's damage to your property.
Withholding Rent
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If the landlord has not provided repairs in a timely manner, encourage the landlord to fix the problem by paying only a portion of the rent or none at all. If the landlord is taking months to repair your heat in the winter, report the landlord and find a new place to live.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit apartment lease sign image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com signing a contract image by William Berry from Fotolia.com elderly couple relaxing in wheelchairs in the sun image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com boy in a blanket 7 image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com modern faucet and sink detail with running water image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com zugesperrte abfalleimer image by Ramona Ortiz from Fotolia.com
