Iowa lawmakers split on bill to give landlords more power

Republicans on an Iowa House of Representatives committee advanced a bill this week that would expand landlords’ authority in their dealings with tenants — including broadening eviction powers.  The bill would expand the definition of rent to include base rent, utilities and late fees as an allowable reason a landlord can file for eviction. It would make tenants responsible for the legality of terms in lease agreements, rather than landlords. The bill also would lengthen the time tenants can remain in rental units while still incurring past-due charges before being evicted from 30 days to 90 days — which committee Democrats granted some merit — but also made Saturdays and Sundays count toward that total. The bill’s expanded definition of rent applies to residents of manufactured home parks — many of whom own their homes but cannot move them from the land they lease.  Republican supporters of the bill on the House Ways and Means Committee  said the bill would give landlords long-sought protections.  Iowa Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, said the bill would make rental regulations even more unbalanced in landlords’ favor than they already are.  Iowa Reps. Lundgren and Craig Johnson, R-Independence, voted to advance the bill in committee, while Iowa Rep. Chuck Isenhart, D-Dubuque, voted against it. The bill is now qualified for debate on the House floor.