Iowa Full Release of Memorandum of Contract

County Specific Legal Forms Validated as recently as June 9, 2026 by our Forms Development Team

About the Iowa Full Release of Memorandum of Contract

Iowa Full Release of Memorandum of Contract
Select County from List

How to Use This Form

  1. Select your county from the list on the left
  2. Download the county-specific form
  3. Fill in the required information
  4. Have the document notarized if required
  5. Record with your county recorder's office

What Others Like You Are Saying

— Susan Z.

"Helpful website. Couldn't use the forms for my situation and area"

— Patrick U.

"Great product. They processed and transmitted the deed promptly. A small question I had was answered…"

— Monique C.

"Very quick and efficient service! I will continue to use them for future reference."

— Matthew C.

"Your Transfer on Death Deed is fine and you have plenty of information about that part. But where is…"

— Stephanie P.

"So far Deeds.com has done everything they say they'll do and very promptly."

Iowa Code Section 558: Conveyances
Iowa Code Chapter 558, titled "Conveyances," provides the general framework for the recording of real estate documents, including contracts, memoranda, and their releases. The key provisions relevant to releasing a memorandum of contract include the following:

Iowa Code Section 558.46 - Mandatory Recording of Installment Sales Contracts:

This section governs the recording of installment sales contracts for residential real estate, as well as the option to record a memorandum of contract instead of the full contract.

Once the contract is satisfied, either the seller or the buyer may record a release of the memorandum to indicate that the installment sales contract is no longer in effect, either due to the contract being fulfilled or mutually terminated.

The release of the memorandum must be recorded with the county recorder’s office where the original memorandum was recorded. This clears the record of the buyer's interest in the property.

Purpose of the Release:
Clear Title: Recording a release of the memorandum ensures that there are no lingering claims or interests related to the installment contract. This is important if the property is to be sold or refinanced in the future.

Fulfilling Obligations: Once the installment payments are completed and the contract terms are satisfied, the seller has an obligation to release the buyer from the contract and to remove any encumbrances from the public record.

Legal Protection: Recording a release protects both parties from future disputes regarding ownership or interest in the property.
Practical Example:

Example: A buyer has completed all installment payments under a contract for deed with the seller. The original contract was recorded via a memorandum of contract. Once the final payment is made, the seller is responsible for preparing and recording a release of the memorandum to indicate that the buyer has fulfilled all obligations under the contract and now holds clear title to the property.

How to Use This Form

  1. Select your county from the list above
  2. Download the county-specific form
  3. Fill in the required information
  4. Have the document notarized if required
  5. Record with your county recorder's office

What Others Like You Are Saying

— Susan Z.

"Helpful website. Couldn't use the forms for my situation and area"

— Patrick U.

"Great product. They processed and transmitted the deed promptly. A small question I had was answered…"

— Monique C.

"Very quick and efficient service! I will continue to use them for future reference."

— Matthew C.

"Your Transfer on Death Deed is fine and you have plenty of information about that part. But where is…"

— Stephanie P.

"So far Deeds.com has done everything they say they'll do and very promptly."

Common Uses for Full Release of Memorandum of Contract

  • Document a rent-to-own or lease-purchase arrangement
  • Assign a land contract to a new investor or purchaser
  • Memorialize a contract for deed in the county records
  • Release a land contract from public record after the buyer completes all payments
  • Assign a seller's interest in a land contract to a new party
  • Establish the terms of a real estate transaction before closing

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our full release of memorandum of contract forms are specifically formatted for each county in Iowa.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.