Iowa Code § 562A.26
Tenant’s remedies for landlord’s unlawful ouster, exclusion, or diminution of service
Redline — January 1, 2012 → current.View current text →
Current — January 1, 2015
As of January 1, 2012
If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of electric, gas, water or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover the actual damages sustained by the tenant and reasonable attorney fees. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security.
If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of electric, gas, water, or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession pursuant to section 648.1, subsection 1, or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover the actual damages sustained by the tenant, punitive damages not to exceed twice the monthly rental payment, and reasonable attorney fees. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security.
Official source: Iowa Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Iowa statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.