Lien Exemption
The code of Iowa 384.84(3) (d) & (e) protects the landlord from the possibility of a lien for unpaid MWW charges which could include: water, sewer, landfill, or storm water charges provided that:
- The property is residential or commercial rental property where water service is separately metered and paid directly to the utility by the tenant, and
- The landlord applies for the lien exemption by written notice, and the notice includes the name of the tenant, the address of the property, and date of occupancy.
Please note that MWW must receive a new written notice on a residential property within 30 business days of a change in occupancy or change in ownership and on a commercial rental property within 10 business days of a change in occupancy or change in ownership.