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. Inventory checklists are not required for a renewal or extension of an existing tenancy and the requirements of the bill do not apply to the rental of land upon which a mobile home may be placed or to the rental of a mobile home. 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 three 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. A landlord that uses a checklist may collect a refundable deposit no more than $150 to be returned to the tenant at the return of the checklist within the required timeline. The landlord may require the deposit to be in the form of a check. A fully executed checklist shall be presumed valid and any damage not disclosed beyond ordinary wear and tear shall be presumed to be the fault of the tenant. 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, 2024.