Iowa Code ch. 216 § 216.11A
Interference, coercion, or intimidation
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, on account of the person having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of the person having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by section 216.8, 216.8A, or 216.15A.
Iowa Code ch. 216 § 216.11A makes it unlawful for anyone to use coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference against a person because that person exercised a fair-housing right, previously exercised such a right, or helped someone else exercise a right protected under Iowa Code §§ 216.8, 216.8A, or 216.15A. The provision covers both direct victims and those who assist or encourage others in asserting their housing rights. This anti-retaliation and anti-interference rule applies broadly to any party involved in a housing transaction or related activity.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code ch. 216 § 216.11A, property owners and managers are expected to refrain from any conduct—such as threats, pressure campaigns, or obstructive actions—directed at applicants, tenants, or third parties who have asserted or supported fair-housing rights under the referenced Iowa Code sections. Compliant operators typically document their business decisions with objective, non-retaliatory justifications and train staff to avoid actions that could be perceived as punishing someone for a fair-housing complaint or for assisting another person with one. Maintaining consistent policies and clear records helps demonstrate that housing decisions are made on neutral, lawful grounds.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code ch. 216 § 216.11A protects tenants not only when they personally exercise fair-housing rights, but also when they have helped or encouraged others to do so—meaning retaliation or intimidation in either context is prohibited. If a tenant believes a landlord has threatened, coerced, or interfered with them in connection with a fair-housing right, that conduct may form the basis of a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which enforces the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand the range of options available under § 216.11A.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation