Failure to deliver possession.

Iowa Code § 562A.22, under UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT LAW.

Iowa Code § 562A.22

1. If the landlord fails to deliver possession of the dwelling unit to the tenant as provided in section 562A.14 , rent abates until possession is delivered and the tenant shall: a. Upon at least five days’ written notice to the landlord, terminate the rental agreement and upon termination the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security; or b. Demand performance of the rental agreement by the landlord and, if the tenant elects, maintain an action for possession of the dwelling unit against the landlord or a person wrongfully in possession and recover the damages sustained by the tenant. 2. If a landlord’s failure to deliver possession is willful and not in good faith, a tenant may recover from the landlord the actual damages sustained by the tenant and reasonable attorney fees. [C79, 81, §562A.22 ]