Because the average landlord doesn’t expect it to happen, abandonment procedures are sometimes not well known to them. Iowa’s procedures for dealing with an abandoned property are short and sweet, though still important to follow. When inspecting the premises for abandonment, the following situations are good evidence: the return of keys, the substantial removal of the tenant’s personal property, a notice by the tenant, the extended absence of the tenant while rent remains unpaid, or any other evidence that would reasonably suggest that the tenant has permanently surrendered possession of the premises.
The existing agreement term is terminated on the date a new tenancy has begun...
One of the smartest next steps is to immediately make reasonable efforts to rent the property at market rate. The existing agreement term is terminated on the date a new tenancy has begun, if the date of termination has not yet passed. If the landlord fails to use reasonable efforts to rent the premises at market rate, then the existing agreement term is terminated upon the date of the landlord’s notice of abandonment. Finally, any personal property left on the abandoned premises may be disposed by the landlord in any way he or she deems appropriate, and the landlord is not liable to the tenant for such disposed property.
