Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.22
Judgment — execution — costs
Operative Text
If the defendant is found guilty, judgment shall be entered that the defendant be removed from the premises, and that the plaintiff be put in possession of the premises, and an execution for the defendant’s removal within three days from the judgment shall issue accordingly, to which shall be added a clause commanding the officer to collect the costs as in ordinary cases.
Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.22 establishes what happens when a defendant loses a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) case in court. The court enters a judgment ordering the defendant's removal from the premises and restoring possession to the plaintiff. An execution order must issue within three days of the judgment, and it also directs the officer carrying it out to collect court costs in the same manner as other civil cases.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.22, a landlord who prevails in a forcible entry and detainer action is entitled to a court judgment restoring possession of the property. Compliant operators typically work with the court clerk to ensure the execution order is properly issued and coordinate with the appropriate officer for enforcement within the three-day window. Costs associated with the proceeding are collected through the execution process, so maintaining accurate records of filing fees and related expenses is a common practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Iowa Code ch. 648 § 648.22 governs the judgment and removal process that follows a court finding against a defendant in an eviction proceeding. If such a judgment is entered, a removal execution can issue within three days, which is a very short window. Tenants who believe the judgment was entered in error or that procedural requirements were not met may have grounds to raise those issues through the court system, and consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider can help identify available options.
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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