Iowa Code ch. 231B § 231B.13
Retaliation by elder group home prohibited
Operative Text
An elder group home shall not discriminate or retaliate in any way against a tenant, a tenant’s family, or an employee of the elder group home who has initiated or participated in any proceeding authorized by this chapter. An elder group home that violates this section is subject to a penalty as established by administrative rule in accordance with chapter 17A, to be assessed and collected by the department, paid into the state treasury, and credited to the general fund of the state.
Iowa Code ch. 231B § 231B.13 prohibits elder group homes from taking any discriminatory or retaliatory action against a tenant, a tenant's family member, or a facility employee because that person initiated or took part in a proceeding authorized under chapter 231B. Violations of this anti-retaliation rule expose the elder group home to a financial penalty set by administrative rule under Iowa Code chapter 17A. Any penalty assessed is collected by the state department and deposited into Iowa's general fund.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code ch. 231B § 231B.13, operators of elder group homes are expected to treat tenants, their families, and staff members the same regardless of whether those individuals have filed complaints or participated in any chapter 231B proceeding. Compliant operators typically maintain clear, documented policies that prohibit retaliatory conduct such as eviction threats, service reductions, or adverse employment actions tied to protected activity. Because penalties are set by administrative rule and assessed by the department, operators generally review their internal grievance and personnel procedures to ensure no action could be construed as retaliation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code ch. 231B § 231B.13 gives tenants of elder group homes, as well as their family members, protection from discrimination or retaliation for participating in any proceeding authorized under chapter 231B. If a tenant believes an elder group home has taken adverse action in response to a complaint or proceeding, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the Iowa department responsible for elder group home oversight, which has authority to assess penalties against the facility. Tenants may also consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Iowa elder care regulations to understand available options.
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.
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