30 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent.
The deposit and an itemized statement are due within 30 days of move-out and receipt of a forwarding address. Deposits are capped at two months' rent.
What this means for you: Bad-faith retention can cost the landlord double the deposit.
Your next step: Provide a forwarding address; send a demand if 30 days pass.
Source: Iowa Code § 562A.12. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).
More Iowa rights: Iowa eviction · Iowa repairs · Iowa entry notice · Iowa rent increase.
Security deposit in nearby states: Minnesota (21 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Wisconsin (21 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Illinois (45 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Missouri (30 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent) · Nebraska (14 days to return the deposit; cap 1 month's rent) · South Dakota (14 days to return the deposit; cap 1 month's rent).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026