Iowa Code ch. 562B § 562B.17
Limitation of liability
Operative Text
1. A landlord who conveys a manufactured home community or mobile home park in a good faith sale to a bona fide purchaser is relieved of liability under the rental agreement and this chapter as to events occurring subsequent to written notice to the tenant of the conveyance. 2. A manager of a manufactured home community or mobile home park is relieved of liability under the rental agreement and this chapter as to events occurring after written notice to the tenant of the termination of the person’s management, except such notice shall not terminate any agreement or legal liability arising prior to the notice. 3. Except in cases of willful, reckless, or gross negligence, a landlord is not liable in a civil action for personal injury, death, property damage, or other damages resulting from or arising out of an occurrence involving a firearm, a firearm component, or ammunition that the landlord is required to allow on the property under section 562B.11.
Iowa Code § 562B.17 sets out three circumstances that limit liability for landlords and managers of manufactured home communities and mobile home parks. First, a landlord who sells the property in a genuine, good-faith transaction is released from obligations under the rental agreement and state law for events that happen after tenants receive written notice of the sale. Second, a manager whose role ends is similarly released from liability for events after tenants are notified, though prior obligations remain intact. Third, a landlord generally faces no civil liability for injuries or damages tied to legally required firearm access on the property, unless willful, reckless, or gross negligence is involved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 562B.17, operators who sell a manufactured home community or mobile home park in a genuine transaction should ensure that written notice of the conveyance is delivered to tenants, as liability relief takes effect from that notice date. Managers leaving their role similarly protect themselves by providing written notice to tenants, while remaining responsible for any obligations that arose before that notice. Landlords who permit firearms on the property as required by § 562B.11 generally carry no civil liability for related incidents, provided their conduct does not rise to the level of willful, reckless, or gross negligence.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 562B.17 means that when a manufactured home community changes ownership or management, tenants should watch for written notice, since that notice marks the point at which the prior landlord or manager is no longer responsible for new events—though any obligations that existed before the notice remain enforceable. Tenants who believe a prior owner or manager still owes them something based on pre-notice events may have grounds to pursue that claim. Tenants with questions about how this provision affects their situation can reach out to a local tenant-rights organization or Iowa Legal Aid for general guidance.
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