Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2134

Introduced
1/21/26  
Refer
1/21/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to rental agreements and early termination rights of tenants who are victims of certain crimes.(Formerly HSB 141.)

Impact

The bill aims to enhance tenant protections under state rental laws by allowing victims of violence the ability to safely exit their rental agreements without facing financial repercussions. By stipulating that landlords cannot discriminate against tenants who have exercised these rights, the legislation seeks to balance the needs for housing stability and personal safety. This could significantly change how landlords and tenants navigate lease agreements in the context of domestic and other forms of violence.

Summary

House File 2134 addresses the rights of tenants who are victims of certain crimes, allowing them to terminate their rental agreements early without penalty. This is particularly aimed at tenants who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, elder abuse, or any crimes posing a substantial threat of personal injury. The bill outlines specific procedures and documentation required for tenants to notify their landlords of their intention to terminate the lease due to victimization. This legislation is intended to provide crucial protection for vulnerable individuals seeking to escape dangerous living situations.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HF2134 are likely to revolve around its implications for landlord rights and the potential burden it places on lessors to manage situations involving crime victims. Concerns may arise regarding the documentation process that tenants must undertake, and whether it places too much requirement on individuals who are already in precarious situations. Additionally, the discussion may also touch on issues of privacy, as landlords are constrained from disclosing any information regarding the victimization of their tenants.

Companion Bills

IA HSB141

Related A bill for an act relating to rental agreements and early termination rights of tenants who are victims of certain crimes.(See HF 2134.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB141

A bill for an act relating to rental agreements and early termination rights of tenants who are victims of certain crimes.(See HF 2134.)

IA HB4993

Housing: landlord and tenants; notice requirements for early lease termination for certain victims of violence; expand. Amends sec. 1b of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601b).

IA HF2704

A bill for an act relating to victim protections including victim counselors, protective orders, sex offender registration, rights of sexual abuse victims, mental competency and civil commitment, restitution, and victim rights.(Formerly HSB 570.)

IA S0142

Termination of a Rental Agreement by a Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking

IA H0107

Termination of Rental Agreement by Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking

IA H0619

Termination of Rental Agreement by Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking

IA SB34

An Act To Amend Title 25 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Tenant's Right To Early Lease Termination.

IA SF412

A bill for an act relating to property law, including rent, rental agreements, notice requirements, and possession of property. (Formerly SSB 1047.)

IA SB413

Landlord and Tenant; residential rental or lease agreement terminations if a tenant or a legal occupant of a residence experienced residential firearm violence; provide

IA SB594

Relating to terminations of residential tenancies without tenant cause.

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