BARKALOW Class Action Small Claims CLE CLARK Class Action Iowa Tenants' Project Small Claims Assistance Answer A small claims case is begun by the plaintiff filing the Original Notice and Petition. This is served on the defendant, who must file an answer, denying the petition or lose the case by default. Here is an example Answer Here is a Word document Answer that you can download and fill out yourself and file. Take two signed originals of the Answer to the court to file. The court will keep one and keep one time stamped original for yourself. Here is a link to return to the main small claims assistance page. The Iowa City Tenants' Project is committed to tenants' rights and to fair play for both tenants and landlords. The Tenants' Project seeks to educate tenants and landlords about their legal rights and responsibilities and to empower tenants to vindicate their rights in court. For further information go to the Iowa Tenants' Project Contact Page