Landlord Repair Obligations Iowa

Summary

In Iowa, tenants have rights regarding property maintenance. Notify your landlord in writing about issues and keep records. Iowa law allows tenants to make repairs and deduct costs from rent if the landlord fails to act. If repairs are unaffordable and the landlord is unresponsive, consider filing a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, seeking a court order for repairs, or exploring rent withholding. Consult an attorney to understand potential risks.

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I have done all this. I can’t afford these repairs they are huge problems. There is literally crap floating in our basement
It sounds like you're facing a tough situation, Joe. If you've already followed those steps and your landlord isn't responding, you may consider taking legal action. Here's what you can do next:
- File a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission if the issues affect your safety or health.
- Consider seeking a court order for repairs.
- You might also explore withholding rent until repairs are made, but consult with an attorney to understand potential risks.
Would you like more details on any of these options or assistance connecting with local lawyers?