Iowa Code ch. 562A § 562A.35
Landlord and tenant remedies for abuse of access
Operative Text
1. If the tenant refuses to allow lawful access, the landlord may obtain injunctive relief to compel access, or terminate the rental agreement. In either case, the landlord may recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. 2. If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or a lawful entry in an unreasonable manner or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct, or terminate the rental agreement. In either case, the tenant may recover actual damages not less than an amount equal to one month’s rent and reasonable attorney fees.
Iowa Code § 562A.35 establishes mutual remedies when either party abuses access rights to a rental unit. If a tenant wrongfully blocks a landlord's lawful entry, the landlord may seek a court order compelling access or end the tenancy, and can recover actual damages plus reasonable attorney fees. Conversely, if a landlord enters unlawfully, enters in an unreasonable manner, or repeatedly demands entry in a way that amounts to harassment, the tenant may seek a court order stopping that conduct or terminate the lease, and can recover actual damages of at least one month's rent plus reasonable attorney fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code § 562A.35, landlords who need access to a rental unit should ensure that every entry is lawful, reasonably timed, and not so frequent as to constitute harassment of the tenant. Compliant operators typically provide proper notice, limit entry requests to genuine needs, and document the purpose and timing of each visit. When a tenant does refuse lawful access, § 562A.35 provides a path to injunctive relief or lease termination, along with recovery of actual damages and reasonable attorney fees.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code § 562A.35 gives tenants meaningful protections against unlawful or harassing entry by a landlord, including the right to seek a court injunction to stop recurring conduct or to terminate the rental agreement. Tenants who experience such conduct may also be entitled to recover actual damages of no less than one month's rent, plus reasonable attorney fees. Tenants who believe their access rights under § 562A.35 have been violated may consider documenting each incident, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with an attorney to understand the options available to them.
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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