Iowa Code ch. 631 § 631.1
Iowa Code Chapter 631 — Small Claims (eviction-related sections)
Operative Text
1. The following actions or claims are small claims and shall be commenced, heard and determined as provided in this chapter: a. A civil action for a money judgment where the amount in controversy is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, exclusive of interest and costs. b. A civil action for a money judgment where the amount in controversy is six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018, exclusive of interest and costs. 2. The district court sitting in small claims shall have concurrent jurisdiction of an action for forcible entry and detainer which is based on those grounds set forth in section 648.1, subsections 1, 2, 3 and 5. When commenced under this chapter, the action shall be a small claim for the purposes of this chapter. 3. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of an action of replevin if the value of the property claimed is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, and six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018. When commenced under this chapter, the action is a small claim for the purposes of this chapter. 4. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of motions and orders relating to executions against personal property, including garnishments, where the value of the property or garnisheed money involved is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, and six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018. 5. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of an action for abandonment of a manufactured or mobile home or personal property pursuant to section 555B.3, if no money judgment in excess of five thousand dollars is sought for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, and six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018. If commenced under this chapter, the action is a small claim for the purposes of this chapter. 6. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of an action to challenge a mechanic’s lien pursuant to sections 572.24 and 572.32. 7. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of an action for the collection of taxes brought by a county treasurer pursuant to sections 445.3 and 445.4 where the amount in controversy is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, and six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018, exclusive of interest and costs. 8. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of motions and orders relating to releases of judgments in whole or in part including motions and orders under section 624.23, subsection 2, paragraph “c” and section 624.37, where the amount owing on the judgment, including interests and costs, is five thousand dollars or less for actions commenced before July 1, 2018, and six thousand five hundred dollars or less for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018. 9. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction of an action to determine ownership of goods under section 714.28 relating to claims against purchased or pledged goods held by pawnbrokers, regardless of the value of the items in dispute. 10. The district court sitting in small claims has concurrent jurisdiction for administrative warrant applications pursuant to section 657A.1A, subsection 2.
Iowa Code ch. 631 § 631.1 defines the scope of the state's small claims court system, establishing which types of civil disputes may be filed and resolved through that streamlined process. For actions filed on or after July 1, 2018, money disputes of $6,500 or less (excluding interest and costs) qualify, as do eviction (forcible entry and detainer) cases, property recovery actions, garnishments, and certain other matters. The provision gives the district court sitting in small claims concurrent jurisdiction over these categories, meaning parties may choose this simplified forum rather than a full civil proceeding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code ch. 631 § 631.1, landlords who need to pursue a money judgment of $6,500 or less—such as for unpaid rent or damages—or who need to file a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) action may use the small claims court process, which is generally faster and less formal than regular civil court. Operators who understand the dollar thresholds and eligible claim types outlined in this section can determine whether small claims is an appropriate venue for a given dispute. Keeping clear records of amounts owed and the basis for any claim helps support a well-documented small claims filing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code ch. 631 § 631.1 is relevant to tenants because it governs the court where eviction actions and small money disputes are often heard, meaning a landlord-initiated eviction or debt claim may come before a small claims judge under this framework. Tenants who receive a small claims summons—whether for money or for forcible entry and detainer—have the right to appear, present their side, and raise any applicable defenses at the hearing. Tenant-rights organizations in Iowa can help individuals understand what defenses or counterclaims may be available in small claims proceedings under this chapter.
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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