Except under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, a landlord generally may not interrupt utilities provided to a residential tenant—such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, telephone, cable television, security systems, and in some areas, trash collection—unless the interruption results from bona fide repairs, construction, or an emergency.

A landlord generally may not shut off utilities to a residential tenant because the tenant is late in paying for the utilities. Laws vary from state to state, and laws related to a landlord’s interruption of a residential tenant’s utility services are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Iowa, landlords are prohibited from intentionally interrupting a tenant's utilities as a form of eviction or to force a tenant to vacate the property. This includes essential services such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, and similarly important utilities. Iowa Code § 562A.23 specifically outlines the prohibition of a landlord's retaliatory conduct, which includes the interruption of utility services that the landlord is obligated to supply under the rental agreement or as required by law. The only exceptions to this rule are interruptions due to emergency repairs, construction, or if the interruption is necessary to prevent danger to life or property. If a landlord unlawfully interrupts a tenant's utility services, the tenant may seek legal remedies, which can include recovering possession, terminating the rental agreement, and/or obtaining damages. It is important for both landlords and tenants in Iowa to understand their rights and obligations under the law to avoid any illegal actions and potential legal disputes.