Do you offer rent assistance?
HOME, Inc. has limited funds for qualifying families with school-aged children facing eviction called the Hope For Stable Families Program. If you do not meet these qualifications. Contact United Way’s 211 for a list of agencies that are currently providing rent help.
We are working to expand our services to be able to provide more rental assistance to those outside these qualifications.
What do I do if I get an eviction notice?
An eviction should not be confused with a termination.
The termination process can be used by both a landlord or a tenant to voluntarily end a tenancy. Usually the landlord or the tenant does not need to have a reason for termination. Termination of tenancy notices are not evictions.
Unlike termination, the eviction process is a court action brought by the landlord in order to regain possession of the rental unit. Landlords always have to give a written notice before filing an eviction with the court. Some notices give the tenant time to “cure” the problem, and the tenant may be able to remain in the dwelling unit. Other notices may terminate the lease and the tenant may be asked to move out.
It is important to act quickly if you have received a notice. If you do not understand a notice, please call HOME, Inc. immediately and speak to a Housing Counselor.
Does the landlord have to give notice before coming into my home?
Except in cases of emergency, a landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice of his/her intention to enter the unit.
What do I do if my landlord is not making repairs?
Tenants have a right to safe and sanitary conditions.
If you live in a city large enough to have a rental inspector, the inspector can require the landlord to make repairs. There is a state law prohibiting retaliation from a landlord if you contact an inspector.
In smaller towns, you can serve your landlord a notice to make repairs yourself or end the lease and move out. Be sure to call HOME, Inc. for help with this process.
You MUST continue to pay your full rent amount; Iowa does not allow withholding of rent for lack of repairs. Learn more from our blog regarding repairs.
How do I get my deposit back?
According to Iowa law, the landlord must return a written itemized list of deductions and remaining deposit or full deposit to the tenant within 30 days after receipt of the tenant’s forwarding address or termination of the rental agreement, whichever occurs last. Learn more in our Blog.
What are the laws on therapy and service animals?
Iowa Civil Rights Laws and the federal Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination in housing accommodations against those who use service and/or emotional therapy animals.
You cannot be charged a pet deposit or pet rent for having a service or therapy animal (although you would have to pay for any damages your animal causes). If your lease or rental agreement includes a “no pets” provision, it does not apply to these types of animals.
To fall under this provision, you must have a disability and you must have a disability-related need for the animal. You will be required to have a letter from a medical professional for this to give the landlord.
For more info – https://icrc.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2015/AssistanceAnimalsFactSheet.pdf
What is the eviction process?
Evictions are a small claims civil court process. Tenants must get notice of any eviction court hearing at least 3 days before it takes place. If the tenant is not served notice at least 3 full days before the hearing, the court should postpone the hearing. There are several ways the written notice can be served.
It is important that you go to the court hearing as a no show will cause you to lose the case. Evictions are public record, so anyone can see them on Iowa Courts Online.
If you are low income, Iowa Legal Aid may assist you for free. www.iowalegalaid.org
Do you give legal advice?
We are unable to give legal advice, however, we counsel both landlords and tenants on their rights and responsibilities and provide referrals when necessary.
Do you provide temporary housing?
Unfortunately, no, we do not have the ability to provide temporary housing. If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact Primary Health Care’s Centralized Intake, 515-248-1850.