IA HSB261

Expands the definition of "rent" under Iowa's residential landlord-tenant law to include base rent, utilities, late fees, and other payments made by tenants under the rental agreement

Changes service of notice requirements so that notices addressed to "all tenants and unknown parties in possession" and posted on the primary entrance door are deemed to provide notice to all occupants; mailed notices are considered complete four days after mailing regardless of weekends or holidays

Increases the time bar for forcible entry and detainer proceedings from 30 days to 90 days of peaceable possession with the plaintiff's knowledge after the cause of action accrues

Requires courts to seal eviction records within three days if the defendant is found not guilty, the case is dismissed, or the plaintiff fails to appear; allows defendants found guilty in nonpayment cases to apply for record sealing after seven years if they meet specified conditions

Permits landlords to immediately dispose of a defendant's personal property remaining on premises after removal, excluding mobile homes unless the mobile home is the premises; provisions relating to sealing of court records take effect July 1, 2026