How and When Do You Serve Lease Termination?

Top 50 Questions about Farmland

In Iowa, lease termination is a critical step when planning to sell farmland that has a tenant farmer. Here’s what you need to know about the process and timeline.

When to Serve Lease Termination

• Deadline: Lease termination must be served by September 1st.
• If not served by this date, the lease automatically renews under the same terms as the previous year.
• Lease End Date: Even after serving notice, most leases remain in effect until March 1st, as most farm leases run from March to March.

How to Serve Lease Termination

1. Forms and Documentation:

   • Use online forms or lease termination templates.
   • Ensure the document meets legal requirements for proper notice.

2. Delivery Methods:

   • Serve the notice yourself.
   • Hire an attorney to handle the process.
   • Work with a farmland broker (like us!) to assist with preparation and delivery.

3. Communication with the Tenant:

   • If you prefer not to deliver the notice yourself, your broker or attorney can communicate with the tenant to explain the plans and handle the process.

Key Takeaways

1. Serve lease termination by September 1st to avoid automatic renewal.
2. The lease remains valid until March 1st, even after termination notice.
3. Brokers can handle the termination process and tenant communication to ease the burden.

If you’re considering selling your farmland and need assistance with lease termination, contact David Whitaker – Iowa Land Guy for expert guidance! David Whitaker | Iowa Land Guy