Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Iowa?

The Iowa Judicial Branch offers help for people representing themselves in a civil case without a lawyer. You can schedule a Court Navigator for help with court forms and basic information about the court process. Find this service at iowacourts.gov under Representing Yourself.

The Iowa Judicial Branch runs a free program called Iowa Interactive Court Forms. It helps people without a lawyer create court forms using plain language and a question and answer format. You can save your answers to use again in other forms. When you finish, you get instructions to print, sign, and file the forms with the court. Use it at iowacourts.gov under Representing Yourself.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission handles complaints about unfair treatment in housing. Under Iowa law, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because of your race, color, creed, sex, or sexual orientation. A landlord also cannot refuse you because of your religion, national origin, or disability. A landlord cannot treat you differently because of familial status (having children in your family). If you think this happened to you, call 515-281-4121 or visit icrc.iowa.gov to file a complaint.

211 Iowa is a free information and referral service that connects Iowans to help with food, shelter, utilities (water, electric, gas), and more. Call 2-1-1, or use the toll-free number 800-244-7431. You can also text your zip code to 898211, or use live chat from 7 am to 10 pm, every day.

IowaHousingSearch.org is a free state resource that helps Iowa renters find rental homes that fit their needs and income. Search online at iowahousingsearch.org, or call 1-877-428-8844 for help, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 7 pm. TTY users can dial 711. If you are in a housing crisis, the site says to dial 211.

The Iowa Finance Authority runs rental programs to help Iowans find affordable housing or get help with housing costs. These programs include loan programs and rental assistance (money to help pay rent) for renters and rental property owners across the state. Learn more at iowafinance.com, or call the agency at 515.348.6200.