Does an Iowa park have to explain utility charges before a tenant signs?

Yes. Iowa Code §562B.14(6) requires the landlord to 'provide a written explanation of utility rates, charges, and services to the prospective tenant before the rental agreement is signed,' unless the tenant pays the utility company directly. This is general information, not advice about a specific bill — consider consulting a licensed attorney in Iowa.

How much notice applies to a utility increase in Iowa?

Generally 90 days. Section 562B.14(6)(b) ties utility-charge increases to the same 90-day notice as rent increases, unless the landlord receives less than 90 days' notice from the utility provider, in which case no advance notice from the landlord is required.

What can an Iowa tenant do if the park fails to supply water?

Section 562B.23A lets a tenant who gives written notice of the breach 'procure reasonable amounts of water or other essential services ... and deduct the actual and reasonable cost from the rent,' recover damages for the lost value, or recover rent paid for the period of noncompliance.

Mobile home utilities and submetering in Iowa

Iowa regulates how mobile home parks disclose and bill utilities. The Manufactured or Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Law (Iowa Code Chapter 562B) requires a written utility-rate explanation up front, ties utility increases to the rent-increase notice period, and gives residents remedies if essential services are cut off. For a specific bill or dispute, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Iowa.

What the statute says

On disclosure, Iowa Code §562B.14(6) provides that the landlord "shall provide a written explanation of utility rates, charges, and services to the prospective tenant before the rental agreement is signed unless the utility charges are paid by the tenant directly to the utility company," and that utility increases follow the same notice as rent increases. It also provides that nothing in the chapter authorizes a landlord "to meter a premises contrary to applicable law, rule, or tariff." On loss of service, §562B.23A provides:

If contrary to the rental agreement or section 562B.16 the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply running water or other essential services, the tenant may give written notice to the landlord specifying the breach and may ... [procure water and deduct the cost, recover damages, or recover rent paid].

How it works in general

Before signing, a prospective tenant is entitled to a written explanation of utility rates and services unless they pay the utility directly. Utility-charge increases generally take 90 days' notice — the same as rent — and a park may not meter contrary to law or tariff. The landlord must furnish outlets for electric, water, and sewer service under §562B.16(1)(f), and any charges for landlord-supplied goods or services "shall not exceed the actual cost incurred." If the landlord cuts off or fails to supply water or other essential services, §562B.23A gives the tenant self-help and damages remedies after written notice.

Common scenarios

General examples Iowa park residents commonly encounter:

A utility charge appears that was never explained. Section 562B.14(6) requires a written explanation before signing.
A utility pass-through jumps without notice. Increases generally follow the 90-day rent-increase notice under §562B.14.
Water service is interrupted. Section 562B.23A allows the tenant, after written notice, to procure water and deduct the cost or recover damages.

Other authorities that may apply

The Iowa Utilities Commission regulates public utilities and their rates and tariffs. The written rental agreement and utility disclosure under §562B.14 set the billing terms, and federal law can apply in particular situations. Section 562B.16 also requires the landlord to keep supplied facilities in good working order.