Iowa Disclosure Law
Iowa Code Chapter 558A requires sellers of residential property to provide a written Seller's Disclosure Statement to buyers before accepting an offer. The buyer has 5 days after receipt to rescind based on the disclosure.
What Must Be Disclosed
Radon in Iowa
Iowa has some of the highest average radon levels in the country. While sellers are not required to test, any existing test results must be disclosed. Buyers frequently add a radon contingency. Mitigation systems cost $800–$1,500.
Exemptions
Estate transfers, foreclosure sales, court-ordered sales, and new construction are exempt from the Iowa disclosure requirement.
Buyer's Right to Rescind
Iowa Code §558A.4 gives buyers 5 days after receiving the disclosure to rescind the purchase agreement without penalty. This is a key protection for buyers and an important deadline for sellers to track.
Penalties
Knowing failure to disclose material defects exposes sellers to fraud claims and damages. Iowa courts have allowed buyers to recover the cost of repairs they would not have accepted had they known of the defect.
Download the Iowa disclosure form via the Iowa disclosure guide.