Iowa

Other Housing Issues

Legal Information

• Avoid Housing Schemes

  The number of Iowa homes in foreclosure has been high for several years, and homeowners experiencing foreclosure can be easy victims. The following scenarios are not all scemes – but these situations likely will not be a “good deal” for individuals buying or selling homes. Read More

• Buying a Home 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. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

• Can I Expunge My Adult Criminal Conviction in Iowa?

  The State of Iowa’s policy is to keep most criminal records public. Others can see a criminal conviction. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Elderly Waiver Program Keeps People Out of Nursing Homes

  Why Are Some People Losing Their In-Home Care? Information to help you understand the Elderly Waiver Program. Read More

• Iowa Legal Aid Legal Clinics

  Check this page for clinics on taxes, expungement, divorce and other legal problems. Read More

  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. Read More

• 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. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

• Property Tax Suspension for People Who Get SSI

  Many people with a disability own or are buying their homes. Iowa law allows people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or State Supplemental Assistance (SSA), or live in a health care facility, to get their property taxes suspended. Read More

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Refinancing

  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. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Rent Reimbursement and Property Tax Credits

  Each year, Iowans who are elderly or have a disability may be able to get a property tax credit on their home and rent reimbursement on apartment or mobile home lot rent. Read More

• 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. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

  Read this in:

  Bosnian / Bosanski

  Spanish / Español

• What to Do if You Get a Notice About Your Public Housing

  Do you live in public housing? If so, you need to understand the rights and responsibilities that go along with it. This article will discuss what you should do if you get a notice about your public housing. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid