Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Iowa

A phone call was made to a slum lord who refuses to fix a leaking toilet for two months as well as replace a thermostat that runs constantly, after three years of asking. The phone call was to point out that we have asked repeatedly. Our daughter is on Section 8, this was the first month she was late with her rent, which she should not have been, he showed up to the door to fix the toilet asked for the rent and informed her that if she didn't have his 157.00 he was not fixing the toilet or anything. He walked away. The toilet has caused attrotious bills as well as the thermostat, which makes it necessary to pay those bills which made her late with rent. She called him to try and arrnage a payment plan for the month, he would not return phone calls. She went to Legan Aid in our county and they were appalled and disqusted. The landlord also then came to our home, her parents. We are not on the lease and demanded money and late charges. He presented no itemized statement just wanted his money. Also he has been nosing around in her business and informed us of her dilinquencies. I, her mother made a phone call, as he had approached us for money, again we are not on the lease. The phone call was to ask why the repairs are being held over her head when he gets 3/4 of the rent up front and should not be charging late charges in the first place. My husband is worried that because I called this man could sue us, don't know for what, I was not nasty and talked with his wife basically spelling things out and asking that repairs be done. I also am aware that Section 8 landlords are reimbursed for their repairs. I am wondering if he is submitting repairs and getting paid for work not done. I also informed his wife that stopping at our house for money when we weren't on the lease is close to harrassment. I indicated that it wasn't a threat just an observation. This man works on scare tactics. My daughter keeps her place up very nice, flowers, lawn mowed garage is clean, laundry room is clean, she has a 10 year old and is a single Mom. I can't imagine that he has any clout, but just wondering if I made a mistake by calling and asking for repairs. Thank you.

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