Landlords and Criminal History Screening in Iowa: What Renters Need to Know

If you are renting in Iowa, you may be concerned about what information landlords are allowed to ask for during the application process—especially regarding your criminal history. This article explains the current rules, your fair housing protections, and what steps you can take if you feel your rights have been violated. All information is accurate for 2024 and drawn from official Iowa or federal government resources.

Can Landlords Ask About Criminal History in Iowa?

In Iowa, there is no statewide law that completely prohibits landlords from asking about or considering criminal history during the rental application process. However, federal and state laws, including guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Iowa Civil Rights Act, place important limits on how such information may be used.^[1][2]

Federal Fair Housing Guidance

Under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for landlords to use criminal history checks in a way that results in “disparate impact” discrimination. This means that while landlords can generally inquire about criminal background, they cannot make blanket bans that disproportionately prevent people of a certain race, national origin, or other protected class from renting.

• No automatic bans: Policies that deny all applicants with any arrest or conviction history may be considered discriminatory.
• Individualized assessment: Landlords should consider the nature, severity, and recency of a conviction rather than simply refusing anyone with a record.
• Arrests vs. convictions: Denying housing solely based on arrests (without convictions) is discouraged by HUD guidance.

Iowa Civil Rights Act Protections

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) enforces state-level fair housing protections. While the Iowa Civil Rights Act does not specifically mention criminal history, it does prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.^[2] If a landlord’s policy is found to have a discriminatory effect, you may have grounds for a complaint.

Local Ordinances

Some cities may have local laws that provide extra protections. Review your local government’s housing or civil rights website for any additional rules.

What Can a Landlord Legally Ask or Do?

• Run a criminal background check, as part of a broader application
• Deny an application based on certain criminal convictions—if the policy is specific, directly related to safety or property, and applied fairly
• Request written consent for background screening, usually via an application form

What Landlords Cannot Do

• Refuse to rent to someone based only on an arrest that did not result in conviction
• Impose a blanket ban on anyone with a criminal record, especially if it has a disproportionate impact on protected groups
• Discriminate based on any protected characteristic covered by federal or state law

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Iowa Civil Rights Complaint Form
  • When to use: If you suspect you have been illegally denied housing because of criminal history and believe it relates to discrimination against a protected class.
  • How to use: Submit the Iowa Civil Rights Complaint form online or by mail through the ICRC website.
  • Official source: Iowa Civil Rights Complaint Form (ICRC)
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  • When to use: If your discrimination issue is also covered by federal law, or for additional federal investigation.
  • How to use: File online via the HUD complaint portal or submit Form 903 directly to HUD.

Iowa's Main Housing Tribunal and Laws

• Tribunal/body: Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
• Tenancy law: Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562A)^[3]

What To Do If You Believe You Were Discriminated Against

If you think a landlord has used your criminal history in a way that violates your fair housing rights, you can:

• Gather all written communication and documents related to your rental application
• File a complaint with the ICRC using their official form
• Consider filing a federal complaint with HUD
• Contact a local fair housing resource or legal aid for advice

The ICRC will review your complaint, investigate, and may assist in resolving the issue through mediation or formal actions.

FAQs About Criminal History and Renting in Iowa

1. Can landlords deny my application for any criminal conviction?
   Landlords must consider the type, severity, and age of the conviction. Blanket bans are discouraged if they affect protected groups more than others.
2. Is an arrest the same as a conviction for rental decisions?
   No. Landlords should not deny housing solely based on arrests that did not result in a conviction.
3. What if my criminal history is unrelated to housing or safety?
   Landlords should base decisions on convictions relevant to health, safety, or property—unrelated offenses may not be a lawful reason for denial.
4. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Iowa?
   Fill out the Iowa Civil Rights Complaint Form and submit it to the ICRC. See the form section above for links and instructions.
5. Can I appeal if my application was denied because of my criminal record?
   You can contact the landlord for clarification, and if you believe discrimination occurred, file a complaint with the ICRC or HUD.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Iowa Renters

• Iowa landlords may request criminal history, but must follow state and federal laws about discrimination.
• Blanket bans or decisions based only on arrest records may be unlawful.
• If you believe your rights were violated, file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or HUD.

Knowing your rights can help you navigate the rental process with confidence and respond if you face unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Iowa Civil Rights Commission – Main agency for state fair housing complaints and resources: 1-800-457-4416
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing Resources
• Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562A)
• Iowa Legal Aid – Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters

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1. HUD, "Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by Providers of Housing," HUD Fair Housing Criminal History Guidance
2. Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code Chapter 216)
3. Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562A)

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