Landlord Says Won't Honor New Lease - Iowa

[Landon Elscott]

So, I'm asking a question on the flip side on behalf of my parents who are tenants.

I just want to get some 3rd party feedback.

My parents have been renting a duplex unit for roughly 3 years I believe without incident, and recently recieved a new lease - presumably from a new and larger company that manages several large apartments in addition to the sum of duplexes they bought up in the neighborhood.

Old lease, they were responsible for their own utilities, mowing and snow removal.

New lease says landlord pays 80% of water bill, provides mowing and snow removal.  So my dad signed the lease and then sent it back and called a day later to inquire about how to handle the water bill now since it is in my parents name.  Got transferred multiple times before being told theyd receive a call back.

Property manager calls and says, the new lease doesnt replace the old lease and if they dont like it, they can give 30 days notice to vacate.

Unfortunately, my parents are preapproved to buy a house sometime in October or November.  So moving out in August isnt ideal.

My understanding is there is a new lease and the old lease is null and void.  The new company is responsible for the utilities and yard, and if that was a flub thats on them.  There is a signed contract with both parties suggesting this is the case per the lease.

I told my dad at this point, dont sign anything new but just keep following the terms of the old lease until we get it resolved.  I feel like they are strong arming them, but when I send a tenant a lease and sign it I do under the understanding that it is fact.

Can they retroactively take this court?  Assuming they buy a house in October, should they just wait to make a stink about it then and see if they get offered a 30 day move out again.  I hesitate to have them play the witholding rent game, especially without even sending the property management a written compliance notice zo should they just send one each month until theyve lined up a place to live.

Thanks!