Relating to the use of inventory checklists upon commencement and termination of residential tenancies and including applicability provisions

This bill amends Iowa’s “Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act” to allow a landlord to use inventory checklists both at the commencement and termination of tenancy for each dwelling unit.7(6), may be placed. The checklist must include all items in the dwelling unit or on the premises owned by the landlord including but not limited to flooring, window coverings, appliances, windows, furniture, walls, closets, shelves, paint, doors, plumbing fixtures, and electrical fixtures. The tenant then reviews the checklist, evaluates the condition of each item, records a description of each item’s condition on the checklist, and returns the checklist to the landlord within five days after receiving the checklist. Under the bill, inventory checklists must be retained by the landlord for a period of one year following termination of the tenancy or as otherwise required by law. At the termination of the tenancy, the landlord is required to complete a termination inventory checklist by evaluating the condition of each item, recording a description of each item’s condition on the checklist, and delivering a copy of the checklist to the tenant if the tenant had initially completed a checklist. A landlord who fails to provide a copy of a termination inventory checklist if required by the bill forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the tenant’s rental deposit. The bill applies to tenancies commenced under Code chapter 562A on or after January 1, 2022.