Rental Cosigner Rights In Iowa

Question

I am the cosigner/parent of an apartment for my daughter in Iowa. I have paid the rent for my daughter since the lease was signed by her and me. Unfortunately she has behaved badly and we have not seen or heard from her since September of last year. Lease ends on 7/31/2024. Landlord is not renewing her lease and wants her to leave and has asked me if I can be there on 7/30/2024 to empty her apartment. Can I legally take her belongings from the apartment without her permission? Also, she has had other people living with her in violation of the rental agreement. Am I as a cosigner responsible for the extra charges? On and on it goes :(

Answer 1

Yes, you are responsible

Legally, you are just as much the tenant as she is - her breach is your breach and vice-versa. If the landlord seeks recovery, they can seek it from either or both of you, and since they can find you …

If your daughter (including her stuff and her guests) don’t vacate by the end date you are in breach. If you take her stuff to keep it safe for her until she asks for it, there is no illegality.