Lead Service Line Disclosure Begins January 1

During the 2025 legislative session, Iowa REALTORS® worked closely with Des Moines Water Works and other utilities on legislation implementing a new Environmental Protection Agency  rule requiring the disclosure and replacement of lead service lines over the next decade.

Beginning January 1, 2026, sellers will be required to disclose the presence of lead service lines on the seller disclosure form.

This is not a new standalone disclosure. Instead, Iowa REALTORS® has added a simple yes, no, or unknown line to the existing Seller Disclosure form. 

Iowa REALTORS®  is updating the Seller Disclosure on Form Simplicity. PDFs of the updated forms are available at the buttons below. Additionally, the Iowa Real Estate Commission has adopted specific rules to implement these disclosure requirements effectively.

Under the EPA rule, water utilities are responsible for notifying property owners about whether their service line is lead, not lead, or unknown. This information helps sellers answer the disclosure accurately and ensures buyers are informed. 

For listings that are active or pending as of January 1, 2026, best practice is to use the updated Seller Disclosure form and have the seller complete it to the best of their knowledge. This proactive approach keeps transactions transparent and protects both consumers and REALTORS® as the new requirements take effect.

These updated forms reflect our view of best practices for compliance with current law; however, we recognize there may be circumstances in which a different approach is appropriate based on the specifics of a transaction. In those situations, REALTORS® should consult with their broker and, if necessary, legal counsel to determine the best course of action.

Seller Disclosure Long Form                Seller Disclosure Short Form