HF 171 removes a $7 million annual cap on real estate transfer tax funds allocated to Iowa's Housing Trust Fund (HTF). Currently, 30% of these tax receipts must be sent to the HTF, but any amount exceeding $7 million annually is redirected to the general fund. This bill eliminates that $7 million limit, allowing all 30% of eligible tax receipts to flow directly into the HTF each year. The HTF supports affordable housing development and preservation for low-income Iowans and the Iowa Mortgage Help Initiative.
This Iowa bill (HSB 307) changes property tax rules for development lots. It ensures properties acquired for development after January 1, 2020, maintain their prior tax classification until they are improved with permanent construction, sold, or five years pass since the subdivision plat was recorded - whichever happens first. The bill defines "development" broadly to include zoning changes, clearing land, installing utilities, or construction preparation. It applies retroactively to tax assessments starting January 1, 2025, but does not require refunds for taxes paid before that date. This primarily affects developers, property assessors, and local governments managing development properties.
This bill (HSB 234) updates Iowa's property law by increasing the annual license fee for manufactured/mobile home retailers from $100 to $120 (Section 1). It defines "rent" to include all payments tenants make to landlords, such as base rent, utilities, and late fees (Section 2). The bill strengthens tenant protections by making prohibited terms in rental agreements unenforceable and allowing tenants to recover damages if landlords knowingly enforce them (Sections 4, 7). It also clarifies notice requirements for landlords, specifying that mailed notices are deemed delivered four days after mailing (Sections 3, 6), and restricts landlord access to mobile homes except in emergencies or after court orders (Section 8). These changes directly affect mobile home retailers, landlords, and tenants in rental agreements.
SF 505 codifies Iowa's existing Firsthome program under the Iowa Finance Authority, providing financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. The program offers down payment/closing cost grants (capped at $10,000), second loans (repayable upon home sale or refinance), and free title certificates. To qualify, applicants must be first-time homebuyers (including military members with specific service requirements), meet income/price limits, maintain a 640+ credit score, have ≤45% debt-to-income ratio, and occupy the home as a primary residence within 60 days.
SF 414 requires Iowa's Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) to review and approve acquisitions of housing or health care facilities by private equity firms. Private equity firms must notify DIAL 60 days before an acquisition and provide detailed information, including financial records and plans affecting facility operations. DIAL cannot approve an acquisition if it would reduce access to quality, affordable housing or health care services, and must post all pending acquisitions online for public comment. This bill directly affects private equity firms purchasing housing or health care facilities in Iowa, creating a new review process to protect public access to these essential services.
SF 357 creates a neighborhood housing revitalization program within Iowa's Finance Authority to provide forgivable loans for home improvements in designated urban and rural areas. It directly affects homeowners who own and occupy their homes in these targeted zones, covering eligible repairs like roof replacements, electrical upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility modifications. The program establishes a dedicated fund using unobligated transfers from other state funds, federal grants, or donations, with unspent money rolling over annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The authority will set rules for loan amounts, eligible work, and income-based forgiveness criteria.
HF 983 revises Iowa's landlord-tenant laws and eviction procedures. It defines "rent" to include base rent, utilities, late fees, and other payments in rental agreements, and changes mail notice timing to be completed four days after mailing (regardless of weekends or holidays). The bill makes prohibited terms in rental agreements unenforceable, allowing tenants to recover actual damages and attorney fees if landlords enforce them. Additionally, it updates notice requirements to mandate posting on dwelling doors and dual mailings (regular and certified), and adds rules for sealing court records in eviction cases after seven years without subsequent evictions.
HB 261 modifies Iowa's landlord-tenant laws and eviction procedures. It clarifies that "rent" includes base rent, utilities, and late fees (Sec. 1), requires mailed notices to be deemed delivered four days after mailing (Secs. 2, 5), and makes prohibited rental terms unenforceable with penalties like up to three months' rent and attorney fees (Secs. 3, 6). The bill also updates notice requirements for postings and mailings (Secs. 4, 7, 8, 9) and adds a new provision allowing eviction records to be sealed after seven years with no subsequent cases (Sec. 11). These changes directly affect landlords, tenants, and courts handling residential eviction cases in Iowa.
HF 700 requires landlords in Iowa rental properties to address elevated radon levels detected by tenants. Tenants may test for radon or hire a certified professional; if results show 4 picocuries per liter or higher (the EPA action level), they must notify the landlord in writing. Landlords must then arrange a confirmatory test, and if radon remains at or above that level, install a certified radon mitigation system within 90 days, followed by retesting. If landlords fail to install mitigation or radon levels persist, tenants may terminate their lease with full rent and deposit refunds, no penalties, and written notice. This bill directly affects renters and landlords in Iowa housing by establishing clear radon testing, mitigation, and lease termination procedures.
HF 947 requires Iowa counties and cities to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on single-family residential lots. It sets size limits (max 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the main home's size), prohibits local rules that are stricter for ADUs than for main homes (like extra parking fees, design matching requirements, or occupancy restrictions based on income or age), and mandates automatic permit approval for compliant ADU applications. The bill also clarifies that ADUs using manufactured homes must be converted to real property with permanent foundations. This directly affects homeowners seeking to build ADUs and local governments responsible for zoning and permitting.
