University of Dubuque
No. For a tenant still in possession, section 562A.24 allows specified counterclaims in a rent or nonpayment-possession action, but the court may order accrued and ongoing rent paid into court and determines the net balance. A tenant no longer in possession may also counterclaim but is not required by subsection 2 to pay rent into court. A bad-faith, meritless defense or counterclaim can expose the tenant to reasonable attorney fees; the section is not automatic cancellation of rent.
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