Iowa FSBO Disclosure Requirements (2026)
Iowa Code §558A requires the Disclosure Statement for Iowa Residential Property. Iowa has two dominant disclosure themes: radon (Iowa has some of the US's highest average radon levels — it's the norm rather than the exception) and flooding (the 2008 Cedar River/Iowa River floods rank among the most devastating in Iowa history).
Iowa Disclosure Framework
Iowa Code §558A.2 requires the Disclosure Statement for Iowa Residential Property. Sellers provide before or at contract; buyers have 5 business days to rescind.
Radon in Iowa — Disclosure Priority #1
Iowa consistently ranks as one of the highest-radon states in the US. The EPA designates most Iowa counties as Zone 1 (predicted average indoor levels >4 pCi/L). Iowa's glacial soils over uranium-bearing bedrock produce radon throughout most of the state.
The Iowa disclosure form specifically asks about radon. Disclose:
Iowa buyers routinely include radon contingencies in purchase agreements. If untested, expect buyers to request testing during the inspection period. Iowa contractors can install mitigation systems for $800–$2,000; post-mitigation levels typically drop to under 2 pCi/L.
Having a recent radon test (even if levels are elevated) and a mitigation estimate shows buyers you've addressed the issue proactively.
2008 Iowa Flood Disclosure
The June 2008 floods devastated multiple Iowa communities along the Cedar River and Iowa River:
If your property was affected in 2008, the Iowa disclosure form requires disclosure. FEMA disaster assistance records are public. Buyers' attorneys search these records.
The 1993 Iowa floods also affected properties across the state. Similarly, if your property flooded in 1993 or any other event during your ownership, disclose it.
Well and Septic in Rural Iowa
Rural Iowa properties use private wells and on-site septic extensively. Iowa DNR regulates private wells (Iowa Chapter 39) and septic systems.
For well disclosure: water quality test results (bacteria, nitrates — critical in agricultural Iowa where nitrogen leaching is a concern, arsenic, and other parameters for your specific area). FHA, USDA, and VA loans require well testing.
For septic disclosure: system type, tank size, last pump-out, any system inspections or failures.
Agricultural Proximity Disclosure
Iowa's agricultural intensity means many residential properties are near crop fields (dust, herbicide application) or confinement livestock operations (odors, truck traffic). Iowa's Right to Farm Act protects these operations from nuisance lawsuits if they predate nearby residential development. Buyers should understand Iowa's agricultural context.
Iowa Transfer Tax
$1.60 per $1,000 of consideration. On a $255,000 sale: $408. Seller pays.