Iowa Code Title XIV. Property [Chs. 555-594A] § 578A.5. Lien--late fee--electronic communication permitted

1. The operator of a self-service storage facility and the operator's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns shall have a lien upon all of an occupant's personal property located at the self-service storage facility for delinquent rent, late fees, labor, or other charges incurred pursuant to a rental agreement and for expenses incurred for preservation, sale, or disposition of the personal property. The lien established by this subsection shall have priority over all other liens and security interests except for those perfected prior to the time the personal property is brought to the self-service storage facility.

2. The lien described in subsection 1 attaches on the date on which personal property is brought to the self-service storage facility.

3. If the rental agreement specifies a limit on the value of personal property that the occupant may store in the leased space, such limit shall be deemed to be the maximum value of the personal property in the occupant's leased space.

4. A rental agreement under this chapter may provide for a reasonable late fee for failure of the occupant to timely make payments for the leased space when due. A monthly late fee of twenty dollars or twenty percent of the monthly rental amount, whichever is greater, shall be reasonable and is not a penalty.

5. The operator and occupant may agree to use electronic mail to satisfy all notice requirements under this chapter. The parties, if consenting to use electronic mail for notice, must consent to use electronic mail for all notices. If the parties agree, the rental agreement shall contain a section outlining the rights and duties for each party regarding the use of electronic mail.