What a Tenant Has to Do
Iowa Code § 562A.17 — follow the housing codes, keep the place clean and safe, and not disturb the neighbors
- A tenant complies with the obligations building and housing codes put primarily on tenants, where they materially affect health and safety.
- The tenant keeps the part of the premises the tenant uses as clean and safe as their condition permits, and disposes of garbage and waste in a clean and safe manner.
- The tenant keeps plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits, and uses the electrical, plumbing, heating and other facilities and appliances reasonably.
- The tenant does not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage or remove any part of the premises, or knowingly let anyone else do it.
- The tenant acts in a way that does not disturb a neighbor's peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
Intentional damage by a tenant can also be charged as criminal mischief.
Sources for this section (1)
- Iowa Code § 562A.17 — Tenant to maintain dwelling unit
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Iowa attorney.