Termination of lease or rental agreement — exceptions

1. A landlord shall not terminate the lease or rental agreement of a service member or the service member’s dependents for nonpayment of rent from any premises used as a dwelling by the service member or dependents during the period of military service if the rent on the premises occupied by the service member or dependents is less than one thousand two hundred dollars per month. However, a court may allow an eviction or the recovery of property pursuant to chapter 646 or 648. 2. In any action affecting the right of possession, the court may, on its own motion, stay the proceedings for not longer than three months, or make any order the court determines to be reasonable and just under the circumstances, unless the court finds that the ability of the service member to pay the agreed rent is not materially affected by reason of military service. 3. When a stay is granted or other order is made by the court, the owner of the premises shall be entitled, upon application, to relief with respect to the premises similar to that granted service members in military service in sections 29A.102 through 29A.104 to the extent and for any period as the court determines to be just and reasonable under the circumstances. 4. A person who knowingly takes part in any eviction or distress otherwise than as provided in subsection 1, or attempts to do so, commits a simple misdemeanor. 5. The governor may order an allotment of the pay of a service member in military service in reasonable proportion to discharge the rent of premises occupied for dwelling purposes by any dependents of the service member.