With Iowa beginning to fully reopen following closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic and many people getting back to work, the state’s moratorium on evictions has been lifted.
As of May 27th, landlords can legally resume evicting tenants for non-payment of rent. However, the Iowa Institute for Community Alliances reminds the public they still have rights. First, they advise renters that only a judge can lawfully evict them, so anything less than an official court order can’t force them out. Once the court order is issued in writing and properly served, the occupants have three days to pay the rent owed in order to prevent the eviction. The landlord cannot legally evict a person who has met the three day payment requirement.
Lastly, if you do not cover the rent in the allotted time frame, you are not required to move out right away and can wait until a final eviction action is filed in court. Low-income families facing eviction who are in need of legal assistance can also reach out to Iowa Legal Aid for guidance. They can be reached by calling 800-532-1275 or 800-992-8161 for those age 60 and over. You can also visit their website by clicking the link below.