Iowa Appeal Bond (Supersedeas Bond)

Appellants (individuals or businesses) filing an appeal from an Iowa district court money judgment or order typically need an appeal bond to stay enforcement of the judgment during the appeal process. Most public entities are exempt from this requirement. Private parties must post the bond to prevent the winning party from collecting the judgment while the appeal is pending.

For money judgments, Iowa requires an appeal bond of at least 110% of the judgment amount, unless the district court sets a higher amount under Iowa Code §625A.9(2)(a). For non-monetary judgments, the bond must be sufficient to protect the appellee from consequences of the appeal, with a minimum of $1,000. The bond is capped at $100 million per Iowa Code §625A.9(2)(b).

A claim can be made against an Iowa appeal bond if the appellant loses the appeal and fails to pay the affirmed judgment, costs, damages, or related losses (such as rents or property damage) within the required timeframe. The bond ensures the appellee is compensated for the judgment amount, all appeal costs, damages adjudged against the appellant, and any deprivation of rents or property during the appeal's pendency.