What’s on the Iowa Seller Disclosure Form?
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Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
You know your Iowa home better than anyone — warts and all. If you plan to sell, you may be curious how much you need to reveal on the Iowa seller disclosure form, officially known as the Seller Property Condition Disclosure.
This form gives potential buyers a better picture of your property’s condition and history so they can make a more informed decision, but it can also protect you.
In this post, we’ll tell you what to expect, how much detail to provide, and what could go wrong if you leave something out. We’ll also provide a downloadable Disclosure Litmus Test to help you identify any red flags.
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What is the Iowa seller disclosure form?
The Iowa seller disclosure form, or Seller Property Condition Disclosure, is a 4-page document developed by the Iowa Association of Realtors. It’s designed to help you disclose any known issues or facts about your home that could affect its value or a buyer’s decision to move forward.
Iowa law requires sellers to disclose all material facts — in other words, anything that could impact the buyer’s use or enjoyment of the property. The Seller Property Condition Disclosure form acts as a guide to help you do this thoroughly. It covers everything from structural issues and past repairs to neighborhood conditions and HOA rules.
Note: Even if you’re selling a home “as is” in Iowa, you’re still required to be truthful and transparent about what you know.
What’s included in the Iowa seller disclosure form?
Below is a section-by-section summary of what you’ll be asked to disclose when selling a home in Iowa. This quick overview can help you know what to expect so you can know what to expect. Note that this is just a brief overview of what appears on the form, not a comprehensive list.
Basement and Foundation
No known water or foundation problems; explain if yes.
Roof
No known problems; note any repairs/replacement with date.
Well and pump (if any)
No known issues; list repairs with date.
Water test date and results (if tested).
Septic tanks / Drain fields (if any)
No known issues; include tank location and last cleaning date.
Sewer System (if public)
No known issues; note repairs with date.
Heating Systems
No known issues; note repairs with date.
Central Cooling Systems
No known issues; note repairs with date.
Plumbing
No known issues; note repairs with date
Electrical
No known issues; note repairs with date
Pest Infestation
No known infestation; add treatment dates and any damage/repairs
Asbestos
None known; if present, explain where.
Radon
Test date and results (if tested); none known if not.
Lead-Based Paint
None known; disclose if known/presumed.
Flood Plain
In a flood plain? If yes, list designation.
Zoning
Zoning classification (if known).
Covenants / Homeowner’s Association (HOA)
Subject to covenants/HOA? Attach or say where to obtain.
Shared or Co-Owned Features
Note shared items (walls, fences, drives) and any HOA/common-area authority.
Physical Problems (Site Conditions)
Any settling, flooding, drainage, or grading issues? Explain if yes.
Structural Damage
Any known structural damage? Explain if yes.
Real Estate Improvement District / Special Assessments
In an improvement district? If yes, list any special assessment amount.
Quick note: Iowa instructs sellers to explain every “yes,” attach pages if needed, and update the disclosure if information later becomes inaccurate or is supplemented.
Download and print our Disclosure Litmus Test
Use this link to download a printable checklist (62KB) to prepare for completing the Iowa seller disclosure form. The questions on this Seller Disclosure Litmus Test reflect the types of details and issues you may need to reveal about your home — and what buyers expect to know.
Check off anything that applies to your Iowa property. If you’re unsure about something, make a note to ask your real estate agent or investigate further. The goal is to help you think through what needs to be documented and disclosed during the sale process.
What is not required to be disclosed? Iowa law does not require you to disclose if someone died in the home, if a previous occupant had HIV or AIDS, or if a sex offender lives nearby. You’re also not obligated to disclose neighborhood rumors, paranormal activity, or personal reasons for selling, unless you are directly asked and your answer could be misleading.
Common mistakes sellers make on the disclosure form
Here are some of the most common missteps sellers make when filling out the Iowa Seller Property Condition Disclosure:
- Checking “yes” without providing an explanation: If you check a yes box that includes an “Explain” line, you need to provide the relevant details, otherwise, you could run into complications.
- Guessing instead of explaining: If you’re not sure about something, say so. Don’t assume. Doing so could be construed as being intentionally misleading.
- Failing to attach supporting documents: Inspection reports, permits, repair invoices, and warranties will help verify your disclosures. Provide any documentation you can.
- Not disclosing repaired issues: Even if you’ve fixed a problem listed on the form, like a roof leak or plumbing issue, you still need to disclose it. .
- Minimizing or softening the truth: Downplaying a defect can expose you to legal risk if the buyer later discovers that the issue was worse than disclosed.
What if you fail to disclose something important?
If you fail to disclose a known material fact about your Iowa home, the buyer may have grounds to cancel the contract or sue you after the sale. In some cases, nondisclosure can be treated as fraud under Iowa law, especially if the omission appears intentional. Being upfront at the onset helps you prevent bigger headaches later.
When and how buyers review the disclosure
Under Iowa’s standard purchase contract, you’re expected to provide a completed Seller Property Condition Disclosure in a timely manner. The buyer then has a set review period, three days (if delivered in person, five days if delivered electronically or by mail), to examine the form and decide whether to move forward, request repairs, or cancel the deal.
Partner with a top Iowa agent to protect your sale
Disclosing your home’s condition is one of the most important — and legally sensitive — parts of the selling process in Iowa. A top local agent can help you understand what’s required, avoid common pitfalls, and provide expert guidance so you can complete the Seller Property Condition Disclosure accurately and confidently.
Unsure where to start? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects you with trusted real estate agents in your Iowa market. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your goals and selling timeline.
You’ll find more helpful guides in HomeLight’s Iowa Seller Resource Center.
See the top real estate agents in 7 Iowa markets:
- Top real estate agents in Des Moines
- Top real estate agents in Cedar Rapids
- Top real estate agents in Davenport
- Top real estate agents in Sioux City
- Top real estate agents in Ankeny
- Top real estate agents in Marion
- Top real estate agents in West Des Moines
If you’re buying and selling at the same time, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program, which can streamline the entire process so you only move once. Watch this short video to see how it works.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Unsplash)
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