SF 421: Relating to property law by modifying provisions related to landlord and tenant law and forcible entry and detainer actions, and including effective date provisions

What it does

The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. This bill relates to property law. The bill defines the term “rent” for purposes of Code chapter 562A (uniform residential landlord and tenant law) to include base rent, utilities, late fees, and other payments made by the tenant to the landlord under the rental agreement. The general assembly made an identical change to the term “rent” in Code chapter 562B (manufactured home communities or mobile home parks residential landlord and tenant law) in 2022.

Senate subcommittee · named February 25, 2025

• Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Matt Blake (D) · matt.blake@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Cherielynn Westrich (R) · cherielynn.westrich@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 4 against

For: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Iowa Community Action Association; Iowa Homeless Coalition; The Family Leader Foundation

Against: Eastlake Partnership; Greater Iowa Apartment Association; Iowa Manufactured Housing Association; Landlords of Iowa

In plain words

1. February 24, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 25, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Shipley, Blake and Westrich
3. March 5, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it