Can a landlord enter into the rental house without taking tenant’s consent?

Full question:

When can a landlord enter into the rental house without taking tenant’s permission?

• Category: Landlord Tenant
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Iowa

Answer:

Your landlord had a right to enter into the house without taking your permission in certain cases of emergency. For example, “the rental house catching fire” could be classified as a case of emergency and the landlord would have a right then to get inside the rental house without getting your permission.

Iowa Code § 562A.19 says:

“Access.
1. The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors.
2. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency.
3. The landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least twenty-four hours' notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.
4. The landlord does not have another right of access except by court order, and as permitted by sections 562A.28 and 562A.29, or if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.”