How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising my rent?

Landlords in Iowa mobile home parks must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.

Can my landlord evict me without a reason?

No. Iowa law requires a legally valid reason and proper written notice before a mobile home park tenant can be evicted.

Where can I find official Iowa eviction forms or legal help?

Official eviction forms and legal information are available at the Iowa Judicial Branch website, and Iowa Legal Aid can provide assistance.

What should I do if repairs in my mobile home park are not being made?

Contact your landlord in writing first. If not resolved, file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General or seek legal advice.

Can a park rule be changed right away?

No, Iowa law requires landlords to give at least 30 days’ written notice before any change or new park rule takes effect.

Iowa Mobile Home Park Tenant Rights and Rules Explained

Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Iowa published June 21, 2025

If you live in a mobile or manufactured home park in Iowa, you have important rights and responsibilities. Understanding the park rules, how rent increases work, and what to do if you're facing problems—like threatened eviction or unresolved repairs—can help you stay secure in your home. This guide walks you through key mobile home park rules and tenant protections for renters in Iowa.

Mobile Home Park Rules in Iowa

Mobile home park landlords in Iowa are allowed to set reasonable rules to promote the safety, welfare, and enjoyment of the community. However, these rules must be clearly stated in your written rental agreement (lease). All rules must be applied equally and may not discriminate against protected groups.

Rules must be provided in writing to each mobile home park resident upon moving in.
Park rules can cover areas such as parking, pets, acceptable noise levels, and maintenance of your lot.
Changes in rules require at least 30 days' written notice before they take effect. View Iowa Code 562B.15 on park rules

If you believe a rule is unfair or has been changed without proper notice, you can contact the Iowa Office of the Attorney General or seek advice from a renter advocacy group.

Tenant Rights: Key Protections for Iowa Mobile Home Park Residents

Iowa tenants in mobile home parks are protected under the Iowa Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law^[1]. Here are your core protections:

Notice Before Rent Increase: Landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice before raising rent.
See: Iowa Code 562B.14
No Retaliation: A landlord cannot evict or punish you for asserting your rights or filing complaints.
Right to Due Process Before Eviction: Evictions require proper written notice and may only occur for specific legal reasons ("for cause"). Most evictions must go through the Iowa courts.
Maintenance Obligations: Your landlord must keep shared areas and park infrastructure safe and in good repair, while you are responsible for your individual lot and home.
See: Iowa Code 562B.16

If you receive a notice or believe your rights have been violated, take action promptly to protect yourself.

Official Iowa Forms and How to Use Them

Notice to Quit (Form Example: 3-Day or 7-Day Notice to Quit, varies by eviction reason)
- When used: If your landlord wants to terminate your lease due to non-payment or rule violations, they must serve you a written notice (often called a "Notice to Quit"). The type of notice and required number of days depend on the violation.
- Practical example: If you receive a Notice to Quit for non-payment, you have the chance to pay what is owed within the stated time or prepare for court.
- Official template link:
  Iowa Judicial Branch - Court Forms (No specific statewide form for this notice, but official templates and instructions for eviction processes are available.)
Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) Petition
- When used: If the landlord pursues legal eviction, they file this petition in court.
- For tenants, responding to this petition is crucial. You must attend your court hearing and present your case.
- Official link: Iowa Judicial Branch – Eviction Forms
Complaint to the Office of the Attorney General
- When used: If you feel your rights are being violated, you can file a consumer protection complaint.
- How: Fill out the online form or printable PDF and submit it to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
- Iowa Attorney General – File a Complaint

Understanding Evictions and Your Legal Protections

Evictions from mobile home parks in Iowa must follow a clear process:

Written notice is required outlining the reason and time to fix the problem, if possible.
If not resolved, formal eviction (called Forcible Entry and Detainer) is filed at the local county court.
You have a right to attend the eviction hearing and present your side.

You can learn more about this process—and access court forms and explanations—at the Iowa Judicial Branch.

How to Respond if You Receive a Notice

If you receive any kind of notice from your landlord (rent increase, rule change, or eviction notice), here are the general steps to follow:

Read the notice carefully—check the dates, stated reasons, and what is required of you.
Act promptly—if you need to respond or take action, do so within the given timeframe to preserve your rights.
Keep a copy of any communications and notices for your own records.
If facing eviction or unresolved repairs, contact a legal aid organization or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for help.

Timely action can make a big difference in protecting your home and legal rights.

The Tribunal for Mobile Home Tenant Disputes in Iowa

Most legal disputes (such as eviction, rent increases, or landlord/tenant disagreements) are handled by the Iowa Judicial Branch (the state court system). This is where formal eviction or lease questions are decided. Complaints about unfair practices or consumer rights violations can also be directed to the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Your Rights Under Iowa's Mobile Home Park Law

All these protections are part of the Iowa Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562B). It's important for renters to be familiar with these rights so they are prepared to act if any issues arise.

If in doubt, always ask your park landlord for rules and notices in writing, and keep detailed records. It can be helpful if you ever need to prove your case or seek assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Iowa Mobile Home Parks

How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising my rent?
Landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent increase takes effect in Iowa mobile home parks.
Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
No. In Iowa, mobile home park evictions must be based on a legally valid reason, and proper written notice and court procedures are required.
Where can I find official Iowa eviction forms or legal help?
You can find Iowa eviction forms and legal information at the Iowa Judicial Branch website or by contacting Iowa Legal Aid.
What should I do if repairs in my mobile home park are not being made?
First, let your landlord know in writing. If repairs aren't made, you can file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or seek legal advice.
Can a park rule be changed right away?
No. Iowa law requires your landlord to give at least 30 days’ written notice before any new or changed rule comes into effect.

Key Takeaways for Iowa Mobile Home Park Tenants

Your rights include advance notice for rent increases and rule changes, protection from unfair eviction, and the right to safe living conditions.
Any eviction must follow written notice requirements and court procedures through the Iowa Judicial Branch.
If needed, support is available from the Iowa Attorney General and Legal Aid services.

Understanding and asserting your rights can help keep your home secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Iowa Judicial Branch – Eviction Information, Forms, and Self-Help
Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division – File a Complaint
Iowa Legal Aid – Free or low-cost legal advice for qualifying renters
Full Text: Iowa Code Chapter 562B (Landlord and Tenant Law for Mobile Home Parks)