No, sleeping on a refrigerator in your Iowa backyard is not illegal under state law. The urban legend stems from a misinterpretation of Iowa Code §727.3, which prohibits leaving abandoned or unattended refrigerators outdoors if accessible to children, due to suffocation risks from lockable doors.
Actual Iowa Law
Section 727.3 targets child safety by banning unattended fridges, iceboxes, or similar containers left outside buildings on your property if kids could get trapped inside. It does not mention sleeping, sitting, or using the top as a bed—those claims trace back to unverified Reddit posts and joke lists since 2012.
Why the Myth Persists
The law aims to prevent tragedies from discarded appliances, a real 1930s-1950s concern before safety latches. Humorous distortions (e.g., “sleeping on top outdoors”) spread online, similar to fake “ice cream in back pocket” tales, but no Iowa statute or case supports it. Local ordinances might regulate yard clutter or nuisances, so check your city code.
Practical Advice
Secure old fridges by removing doors before outdoor storage. For sleeping setups, use actual furniture to avoid trespass or zoning issues if visible from public areas. No fines or arrests link to this specific act in records.
