Iowa Rent Increase Limits for Mobile Home Park Residents
Many Iowans call mobile home parks home, and understanding your rights is essential—especially when it comes to changes in your rent. Here, we explain how rent increase limits for mobile home park residents work in Iowa, what the law requires your landlord to do, and what actions renters can take if they receive a notice of rent increase.
How Iowa Addresses Rent Increases in Mobile Home Parks
Iowa law gives special attention to rent increases in mobile home parks (sometimes called manufactured home communities). Your landlord must follow set rules to raise your rent, and you have the right to proper notice and information.
No Statewide Rent Control, But Notice Rules Apply
- No Cap on Rent Increases: Iowa does not have statewide rent control. There is no legal limit on how much your rent can be increased in a mobile home park.
- 90-Day Written Notice Required: Landlords must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before increasing rent. This rule is outlined in the Iowa Code Section 562B.14.
- One Increase Per Year: Rent can only be raised once in any 12-month period, per Iowa Code § 562B.14(7).
- Proper Notice Format: The notice must state the amount of the increase, the new total rent, and the date when the increase starts.
These rules help tenants have time to plan and budget for any rent changes.
When Can Your Landlord Increase Rent in a Mobile Home Park?
- Rent increases can only take effect at the end of your current rental term.
- If you have a month-to-month agreement, the rent increase must follow the 90-day notice rule.
- If you have a longer lease, the increase cannot start until your lease renews.
If your landlord tries to raise the rent before your lease ends, or without the required notice, the increase may not be legal.
Notice of Rent Increase: What You Should Look For
The law requires that your landlord’s notice be:
- In writing
- Delivered personally or by mail to your address
- Given at least 90 days before the new rent starts
If you receive a notice with less than 90 days’ warning, or it’s not clear about the new rent, you have the right to challenge it.
Tip: Keep copies of all written notices you receive from your landlord. These may be important if you need to challenge a rent increase.
How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice
If you believe the notice is invalid (improper notice period, multiple increases within a year, or errors), you may:
- Communicate in writing with your landlord, outlining the legal requirements and your concerns.
- Contact the Iowa Manufactured Home Program or local legal aid for assistance.
- Apply to the relevant tribunal if a dispute continues.
For complaints or disputes about mobile home park rules and rent increases, you can contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division.
Key Forms for Iowa Mobile/Manufactured Home Renters
-
Mobile/Manufactured Home Complaint Form
Use: If your landlord has not complied with rent increase rules or other park regulations, you can submit this form to the Iowa Attorney General's Office.
Example: For example, if you receive less than 90 days' notice for a rent increase, you may fill out this complaint form.
Official Complaint Form (PDF) -
Written Notice of Dispute (No official form number)
Use: If you want to formally notify your landlord of a dispute over a rent increase, this can be a personal letter stating the facts and citing Iowa Code Chapter 562B.
Who Handles Disputes? The Tribunal or State Board
In Iowa, court jurisdiction applies for residential landlord-tenant matters, including disputes in mobile home parks. There is no standalone housing tribunal, but small claims court or district court can handle these cases. You can find court information at the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
FAQ: Rent Increase Limits in Iowa Mobile Home Parks
- Is there any limit to how much my landlord can raise the rent in an Iowa mobile home park?
No, Iowa law does not limit the percentage or amount of a rent increase. However, your landlord must provide at least 90 days’ written notice and can only increase rent once per year. - What do I do if I get less than 90 days’ notice?
You can notify your landlord in writing that the notice does not meet Iowa's legal requirements. You may also file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office if the landlord does not correct the error. - How do I submit a complaint if I believe my rent increase is unlawful?
Complete the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Complaint Form and submit it as instructed to have your issue reviewed. - Do these rules apply to all mobile home parks or only certain ones?
Iowa's rules apply to all residential mobile home parks qualifying as manufactured home communities under state law. Always check your written lease and local ordinances for additional rules. - Where can I access the relevant Iowa laws?
You can read the full text in Iowa Code Chapter 562B – Manufactured Home Communities.
Key Takeaways for Iowa Mobile Home Park Residents
- Iowa law requires 90 days’ written notice and limits rent increases to once per year in mobile home parks.
- There is no cap or percentage limit on how much rent can go up.
- If you believe a rent increase notice violates the law, put your complaint in writing and seek help from state resources.
Knowing your rights can help you budget, plan ahead, and avoid unlawful rent hikes.
Need Help? Resources for Renters
- Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division – File rent or landlord disputes, or download the official complaint form.
- Iowa Judicial Branch – Find your local court if you need to file a small claims or district court action about your tenancy.
- Iowa Legal Aid – Free assistance for low-income tenants dealing with rent increases or other mobile home park issues.
- Iowa Code Chapter 562B – Manufactured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
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