COVID-19 Update for Landlords

Residential Landlords — Iowa Laws

Considering COVID-19, landlords, property managers, homeowner’s associations and others are in uncharted territory as they navigate the Fair Housing Act and Iowa landlord-tenant law. Davis Brown attorneys cover FAQs and further implications of federal and state laws.

• Does the Fair Housing Act or Iowa law cover individuals who have or had COVID-19?
• What should a landlord do if a tenant requests an accommodation or modification due to COVID-19?
• Can landlords:
  • deny the applicant if they have COVID-19?
  • ask applicants/tenants if they have COVID-19?
  • refuse to show a leased premise to an applicant who currently has COVID-19?
  • mandate tenants quarantine themselves for 14 days?
  • take any action if an ill tenant does not follow CDC-recommended quarantine and uses common areas?

Navigating the Fair Housing Act and Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law during COVID-19

Federal Moratorium on Residential Evictions

In addition to Iowa laws, the CARES Act (S.3548) instituted a federal moratorium on residential evictions until at least Saturday, July 25. Davis Brown helps residential landlords and property managers with their questions about the CARES Act:

• What rental properties does it affect?
• Which types of evictions are suspended?
• Does it affect a landlord’s ability to charge late fees on unpaid rent?
• Are there imposed restrictions on landlords once the Federal Moratorium is over?
• What factors should landlords remember regarding the CARES Act? Federal Moratorium Effect on Residential Landlords and Property Managers

Other Coronavirus/COVID-19 Legal Resources

Davis Brown regularly updates the COVID-19 legal resources page providing interpretations of guidance from administrative bodies and new laws. If you have a question about how your business can adapt, please contact your legal counsel.

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.

Find these tips useful? Find more business tools and information by visiting the Business Resources page.

Davis Brown Law Firm blogs, legal updates, and other content are for educational and informational purposes only. This is not legal advice and it does not create an attorney/client relationship between Davis Brown and readers. Each circumstance is different; readers should consult an attorney to understand how this content relates to their personal situation. You should not use Davis Brown blogs or content as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. Reproduction of Davis Brown content without written consent is prohibited.