Iowa Code § 427.15: Interest of lessee.

In all cases where land belonging to any state institution has been leased and the leases renewed, containing an option of purchase, the interest of the lessees therein shall be subject to assessment and taxation as real estate. The value of such interest shall be fixed by deducting from the value of the lands and improvements the amount required by the lease to acquire the title thereto, which leasehold interest so assessed and taxed may be sold for delinquent taxes and deeds issued thereunder as in other cases of tax sales, and the same rights shall accrue to the grantee therein as were held and owned by the tenant.