Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 12 resources
Buying a House
Buying a home on a contract can be a way for persons who are low-income or who have poor credit to become homeowners. However, there are certain risks to know about to avoid surprises after the contract is signed.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Common Legal Terms
(Separate Website)
An online glossary of legal terms from A to W
By: Iowa Judicial Branch
Facing Foreclosure? Tips to Help Restructure Debt and Deal with Mortgage Companies
When the foreclosure process starts or is just around the corner, homeowners must decide whether to stay in the home or move. This is not an easy choice to make.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Going to Court Could Get Easier
It would be good if people had a lawyer whenever they needed one. But there has never been enough money to make this happen for low-income Iowans. This leaves a lot of people on their own. The Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa Judges Association have accepted the recommendations of a joint task force. Proposed changes would help people who don’t have a lawyer.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Know How to Hold it - Pros and Cons of Certain Types of Property Ownership
The manner in which you own your property can have important consequences. The common forms of ownership are sole ownership, joint tenancy with right of survivorship and tenancy in common. Each form of ownership has its pros and cons.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Lending: Buying a House "On Contract"
Buying a home on a contract can be a way for persons who are low-income or who have poor credit to become homeowners. However, there are certain risks to know about to avoid surprises after the contract is signed.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Mobile Home Park Issues
Owining a mobile home is not the same as owning a conventional house. It is different from renting, too.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Mortgage Foreclosures and Land Contract Forfeitures
People are usually not able to pay in full when they buy a home. As a result, most Iowans finance homes through either a mortgage or a land contract. If the buyer fails to make payments the loan terms require, each of these financing tools allows the lender to retake the home. The steps involved depend on whether it is a mortgage or land contract.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Property Tax Suspension for People Who Get SSI
Many people with a disability own or are buying their homes. They may have a hard time paying their property taxes which become due each year. Under Iowa law, people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State Supplemental Assistance (SSA), or live in a health care facility, can get their property taxes suspended.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Refinancing
A lot of people try to deal with debt by refinancing their loans. Refinancing means paying an old debt with a new debt. Sometimes that makes sense because your total cost of borrowing money may be less. Refinancing may look good now when interest rates are lower than they have been in years. However, smaller monthly payments do not always mean that refinancing will be a good deal for you as a consumer. This article takes a general look at this topic and gives some tips to protect yourself.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Rent Reimbursement and Property Tax Credits for Elderly and Disabled People
Elderly or disabled Iowans may be able to receive financial benefits this year from one or more of three programs.
By: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Other Formats:
WPD File
Waiting Lists and Public Housing
What you can do if you applied for a voucher but it may take two years or more for your name to come up.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
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The Iowa Legal Aid Website is a project of Iowa Legal Aid, the Volunteer Lawyer Projects of the Iowa State Bar and Polk County Bar Associations, and HELP Legal Assistance
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