Iowa Code ch. 646 § 646.10
Answer
Operative Text
The answer of the defendant, and each if more than one, must set forth what part of the land the defendant claims and what interest the defendant claims therein generally, and if as mere tenant, the name and residence of the landlord.
Iowa Code ch. 646 § 646.10 governs what a defendant must include in an answer filed in a land-related legal proceeding. Under this provision, each defendant is required to identify the specific portion of the land they claim, describe the nature of their interest in that land, and—if their interest is that of a tenant—disclose the name and residence of their landlord. The rule ensures that all parties and the court have a clear picture of who claims what and under what relationship.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Iowa Code ch. 646 § 646.10 is relevant to landlords because a tenant-defendant in a land proceeding is required to name the landlord and provide the landlord's residence in their answer. Compliant property owners and managers generally maintain current, accurate contact information that tenants can reference if such a disclosure becomes necessary. Being aware of this requirement helps landlords understand that their identity and location may be introduced into court proceedings through a tenant's answer.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Iowa Code ch. 646 § 646.10, a tenant who is named as a defendant in a land proceeding has a specific obligation to state the nature of their claimed interest, identify the portion of land at issue, and disclose the name and residence of their landlord in their answer. Failing to include this information in the answer could affect how the court views the defendant's position in the case. Tenants facing such proceedings may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand how to properly prepare an answer that meets these requirements.
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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