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Davenport, IA Security Deposit Laws 2026

Iowa limits security deposits to 2 month's rent. In Davenport, that's $2,286 at the median 2BR rent of $1,143/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $2,286+.

In Iowa, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month's rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $2,286 or more.

Key Takeaways — Davenport Security Deposit Laws

  • Maximum deposit: 2 month's rent = $2,286 at Davenport's median rent
  • Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
  • Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($2,286)
  • Itemized statement: Required with any deductions

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Security Deposit Laws in Davenport

Under Iowa law, landlords in Davenport may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month's rent. At Davenport's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,143/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $2,286.

$2,286

max deposit (2mo × $1,143)

30 days

return deadline

$2,286

max penalty for late return

Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock

Once a tenant moves out of your Davenport rental, Iowa law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.

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What you can deduct from a security deposit in Davenport:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
  • Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)

What you cannot deduct:

  • Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
  • Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
  • Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition

Penalty Warning

Violate Iowa security deposit laws rules in Davenport and you could owe $2,286+. At Davenport's median rent of $1,143/month, even a single violation adds up fast.

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How Davenport Rents Affect Deposit Amounts

Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Davenport landlords typically collect:

Unit Size Median Rent (Davenport) Max Deposit (2mo) Penalty Risk
Studio $817/mo $1,634 $3,268
1-Bedroom $928/mo $1,856 $3,712
2-Bedroom $1,143/mo $2,286 $4,572
3-Bedroom $1,498/mo $2,996 $5,992

Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Scott County.

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Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities

Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:

Bettendorf, IA
Pop. 39,858
Blue Grass, IA
Pop. 1,686
Buffalo, IA
Pop. 1,164
Eldridge, IA
Pop. 6,846
Walcott, IA
Pop. 1,549

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How we researched this page: Security deposit laws rules are based on Iowa state statutes. Rent data comes from HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Scott County. Last updated: August 2026.
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Reviewed by Rachid Abadli

Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019

LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

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