Iowa Code ch. 555B § 555B.1
Definitions
Operative Text
Unless the context otherwise requires, in this chapter: 1. “Abandoned” means abandoned as provided in section 562B.27, subsection 1. 2. “Claimant” includes but is not limited to any government subdivision with authority to levy a tax on abandoned personal property. “Claimant” also includes a holder of a lien as defined in section 555B.2. 3. “Demolisher” means demolisher as defined in section 321.89. 4. “Junkyard” means junkyard as defined in section 306C.1. 5. “Mobile home” includes “manufactured homes” and “modular homes” as those terms are defined in section 435.1, if the manufactured homes or modular homes are located in a manufactured home community or mobile home park. 6. “Personal property” includes personal property of the mobile home owner in the abandoned mobile home, on the mobile home lot, in the immediate vicinity of the abandoned mobile home and the mobile home lot, and in any storage area provided by the real property owner for the use of the mobile home owner. 7. “Real property owner” means the owner or other lawful possessor of real property upon which a mobile home is located.
Iowa Code ch. 555B § 555B.1 establishes the foundational vocabulary for Iowa's chapter governing abandoned mobile homes. It defines key terms—such as 'abandoned,' 'claimant,' 'mobile home,' 'personal property,' and 'real property owner'—that control how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. Notably, 'mobile home' under this section extends to manufactured and modular homes situated in a mobile home park or manufactured home community, and 'personal property' covers belongings found not just inside the home but also on the lot, in the immediate vicinity, and in any associated storage area. These definitions set the boundaries for who is covered and what property is subject to the chapter's rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
For owners or managers of mobile home parks and manufactured home communities, Iowa Code ch. 555B § 555B.1 is the starting point for understanding obligations that arise when a mobile home is abandoned on their property. The definition of 'real property owner' in this section applies directly to park and community operators, meaning the chapter's subsequent requirements and procedures govern their conduct. Operators generally familiarize themselves with how 'personal property' is broadly defined here—covering storage areas and the lot's immediate vicinity—so they handle all affected belongings consistently with the chapter's framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code ch. 555B § 555B.1 is relevant to mobile home residents because it defines whose property and which locations fall under the chapter's protections when abandonment is at issue. The broad definition of 'personal property' means that belongings stored on the lot, in nearby areas, or in a storage unit provided by the park operator may be covered by the chapter's rules—not just items inside the home itself. Residents who believe their property rights under this chapter may be affected can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Iowa mobile home law for general information about how these definitions apply.
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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