Iowa · TitleIowa adverse possession: the ten-year limit on actions to recover real property
Iowa sets the adverse possession clock in its general statute of limitations. Actions may be brought only within the listed times after their causes accrue, and not afterwards, except when otherwise specially declared (Iowa Code §614.1). Among them, actions brought for the recovery of real property must be brought within ten years – the same period that applies to actions on written contracts and on judgments of courts not of record (§614.1(5)(a)). An owner who lets ten years pass after the cause of action accrues loses the action to recover the land.
What the statutes set
Ten years (§614.1(5)(a))
Actions for the recovery of real property.
From accrual (§614.1)
Counted after the cause of action accrues, and not afterwards.
Same period (§614.1(5)(a))
Shared with actions on written contracts.
Exceptions (§614.1)
Except where otherwise specially declared.
What the TC checks when an Iowa survey shows an encroachment
- Flag any fence, driveway or building crossing the boundary on the survey.
- Ask the abstractor or title attorney how the encroachment shows in the title opinion.
- Route possession claims to the parties' attorneys before the title objection deadline.
Questions about Iowa adverse possession
How long is adverse possession in Iowa?
Ten years: actions for the recovery of real property must be brought within ten years after the cause accrues (Iowa Code §614.1(5)(a)).
Which Iowa statute sets the period?
The general statute of limitations, Iowa Code §614.1, subsection 5.
Related guides
Track the survey review and the title objection deadline as tasks on the deal in ClosingCode.
Start free trialSource: Iowa Code §614.1 (legis.iowa.gov, Iowa Code 2026), read October 31, 2026.
General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.