1. 1. If the landlord fails to deliver possession of the dwelling unit to the tenant as provided in section 562A.14, rent abates until possession is delivered and the tenant shall:

   1. a. Upon at least five days’ written notice to the landlord, terminate the rental agreement and upon termination the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security; or
   2. b. Demand performance of the rental agreement by the landlord and, if the tenant elects, maintain an action for possession of the dwelling unit against the landlord or a person wrongfully in possession and recover the damages sustained by the tenant.
2. 2. If a landlord’s failure to deliver possession is willful and not in good faith, a tenant may recover from the landlord the actual damages sustained by the tenant and reasonable attorney fees.

[C79, 81, §562A.22]