This bill allows tenants who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, elder abuse, or certain other qualifying crimes to terminate rental agreements early without penalty. To do so, tenants must provide written notice to their landlord with specific documentation, such as a protective order, police report, or certified medical documentation from a healthcare provider. Landlords cannot charge fees, report negative credit information, or refuse to rent based on this termination right. Tenants remain responsible for rent through the termination date but are not liable for future rent if the unit is re-rented, and cannot be charged for forfeiting deposits.
HF 2207 restricts private equity companies from purchasing single-family homes in Iowa during the first 75 days a home is listed for sale. The 75-day period begins when the home is first listed through a real estate broker, multiple listing service, or public online platform. After this period, companies must submit a sworn affidavit to the county recorder confirming the purchase occurred after the 75 days or is exempt under other law, and the county recorder cannot record the deed without it. The law also prohibits companies from evading these rules by using subsidiaries, affiliates, or agents.
HF 2252 requires Iowa counties and cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU), like a backyard cottage or basement apartment, on single-family residential lots where such homes are permitted. The bill sets size limits (max 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main house, excluding unfinished basements) and prohibits local governments from imposing stricter rules on ADUs in communities with shared ownership (like condos) than on standard single-family homes. It also modifies historic district regulations, requiring preservation commissions to formally justify any ADU restrictions based on historical significance. This directly affects homeowners seeking to build ADUs, local zoning authorities, and historic preservation boards.
SSB 3034 establishes new limits on local government property tax levies and reserve funds for budgets certified after July 1, 2027. It caps the maximum property tax levy at 102% of the prior year's total plus new valuation growth (from construction, boundary changes, etc.), and restricts unassigned general fund reserves to no more than 10% of budgeted expenditures. These rules apply to cities, counties, and other local governments (excluding school districts), with the Department of Management overseeing compliance. The bill also modifies audit requirements to verify adherence to these financial limits.
This bill modifies Iowa's property tax credit system for low-income elderly and disabled residents, ensuring timely annual payments for property taxes or rent reimbursements. It streamlines the removal of abandoned mobile homes on rural property by allowing landowners or mobile home park operators to remove "valueless homes" (defined as abandoned homes with no market value) without court orders, requiring only 10 days' written notice to the county treasurer. The bill also updates tax sale rules to prevent splits or consolidations of land parcels during redemption periods or with unpaid taxes. These changes directly affect rural property owners, mobile home park operators, and low-income homeowners/renters.
This bill requires Iowa counties and cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) - a secondary home on the same lot as a primary residence - in zoning districts where single-family homes are permitted. It sets size limits (max 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the main house size, excluding unfinished basements, garages, decks, and unheated porches) and restricts local governments from banning ADUs solely due to historic preservation rules unless a commission documents specific historical incompatibility. Homeowners seeking to build ADUs and local governments creating zoning rules are directly affected. The bill clarifies that historic district restrictions must be justified by a commission’s written determination, replacing prior broad exemptions.
This bill repeals a provision (Code section 414.5) that allowed property owners to submit written protests against proposed zoning district changes. Specifically, it removes the requirement that city councils must obtain a 3/4 vote to approve zoning changes if 20% of affected property owners file a written protest before a public hearing. The bill directly affects property owners who previously could challenge zoning changes through this protest mechanism. It eliminates this specific procedural step, meaning zoning changes would no longer require the 3/4 council vote if a protest is filed. The bill does not change other zoning approval processes, such as the requirement for shooting range modifications.
HF 2223 creates a new residential property tax rebate program for Iowa homeowners, funded from the taxpayer relief fund, applicable to property taxes due in fiscal years 2026-2027. It modifies existing homestead tax credit rules to expand eligibility for elderly and disabled residents (ages 65+ with income under 250% of federal poverty level) and adds a new credit calculation method for homes where property value didn’t increase due to improvements. The bill also adjusts how homestead credits are calculated, covering up to $14,550 of a home’s value, and sets the effective date for most changes as July 1, 2027. These provisions directly affect Iowa homeowners, particularly seniors and low-income residents, by providing potential tax relief through modified credits and a new rebate.
This bill establishes new limits on local government property tax collections and reserve funds. It requires cities, counties, and other local entities (excluding school districts) to cap unassigned general fund reserves at 10% of budgeted spending and sets a maximum property tax levy at 102% of the prior year's total plus new property valuation growth. These rules apply to budgets certified for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, and will be verified through annual audits. The bill also modifies related tax assessment, budgeting, and reporting requirements for local governments.
HF 2062 repeals a provision that allowed property owners to challenge proposed zoning changes by filing a written protest signed by owners of 20% of the affected area or within 200 feet of the property. Currently, such a protest would require a city council to approve the change with a 3/4 majority vote. This bill removes that requirement, meaning zoning changes would no longer need the higher vote threshold if a protest is filed. The change directly affects property owners in areas where zoning district modifications are proposed, eliminating their ability to block such changes through this specific process.
