Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 686.2. Action--compliance

1. A claimant shall not file an action without first complying with the requirements of this chapter. If a claimant files an action alleging a construction defect without first complying with the requirements of this chapter, on timely motion by a party to the action, the court shall stay the action, without prejudice, and the action shall not proceed until the claimant has complied with the requirements.

2. An action filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations set forth in section 614.1, which is stayed pursuant to this section and for which the statute of limitations runs during the time the claimant is complying with this statute, shall not be deemed barred by the applicable statute of limitation for the pending action if the claimant complies with the requirements of this chapter and the action is otherwise allowed to proceed.