Iowa House Bill HF669

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/15/23
• Refer: 5/4/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to property law, including manufactured or mobile home retailer licenses, rent, rental agreements, notice requirements, and possession of property.(Formerly HSB 125.)

Impact

The changes proposed in HF669 have implications for both landlords and tenants. By defining the term 'rent' to encompass various forms of payments, the law aims to create a more standardized understanding of rental obligations. Additionally, the bill modifies the service requirement for notices, stating that a notice served by mail is considered completed four days after being postmarked, despite weekends or holidays, which may expedite communication between landlords and tenants. This is significant for both rental agreements governed by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law and those concerning manufactured home communities.

Summary

House File 669, known as HF669, is a legislative measure focused on amending existing property law in Iowa, specifically targeting regulations around manufactured or mobile home retailer licenses, rental agreements, and notice requirements concerning rental properties. The bill increases the annual license fee for manufactured or mobile home retailers from $100 to $120. Furthermore, it seeks to clarify the definition of 'rent', which includes not only base rent but also utilities, late fees, and other payments due under a rental agreement.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HF669 could stem from the amendments that prohibit landlords from enforcing certain provisions in rental agreements that are deemed illegal, which may lead to disputes about compliance and interpretation. The bill also introduces provisions related to 'forcible entry and detainer' actions, which could expedite eviction processes under specific conditions. Critics might argue that these changes can disproportionately disadvantage tenants by simplifying the eviction process and raising concerns about their rights and protections within landlord-tenant relationships.