Rental Property Rules in Des Moines, IA

If you live in Des Moines or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Des Moines has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Repairs & Habitability

Des Moines requires a licensed, inspected rental unit to maintain at least 68°F indoors when it's below 60°F outside, alongside code-wide standards for structural, electrical, plumbing and sanitary conditions under Chapter 60's Rental Property Maintenance Code.

Key details: Minimum heat: 68°F indoors. Trigger: Outdoor temp below 60°F. License: Rental business license required. Enforcement: Municipal infraction, civil penalty. Also covers: Handrails, plumbing, sanitation, structure.

Uncorrected violations can suspend or revoke the rental business license (§ 60-37), and the owner faces a municipal infraction with a civil penalty under § 1-15, plus administrative fines set by the city's fee schedule (§ 60-38).

This is one of the stricter rules in Des Moines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Just Cause Eviction

Des Moines does not impose a just-cause eviction standard. Under the Iowa URLTA, Iowa Code Ch. 562A, landlords may end month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice for any non-discriminatory reason.

Key details: Just-cause required: No. Notice period: 30 days written. Statute: Iowa Code 562A. Retaliation barred: Yes. Severity: Permissive.

Improper notice (less than 30 days, no writing, retaliatory or discriminatory) is a defense in a forcible entry and detainer action and may give rise to URLTA damages.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Des Moines gives residents more flexibility on just cause eviction.

Rental Registration

Every rental dwelling or rooming unit in Des Moines needs a rental business license before an owner can lease it, backed by a mandatory pre-occupancy inspection.

Key details: License required: before renting any unit. Apply: at least 90 days pre-occupancy. License term: 9 months to 3.5 years. Owner-occupied single household: exempt. Enforcement: municipal infraction, civil penalty.

Renting without a current license is a municipal infraction with a civil penalty under Code § 1-15. The division can also revoke or suspend a license for uncorrected violations or an imminent health/safety threat, and structures declared a public nuisance under § 60-192 automatically lose their license.

Compared to other cities, Des Moines takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tenant Anti-Harassment

Des Moines does not have a standalone tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenant protections come from Iowa Code 562A.36 retaliation rules and federal Fair Housing Act standards prohibiting harassment based on protected class.

Key details: Standalone TAHO: No. Retaliation statute: Iowa Code 562A.36. Fair Housing Act: Federal coverage. Forum: DSM CHR + small claims. Severity: Moderate.

Retaliatory rent increases, illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, or protected-class harassment can result in URLTA damages, fair-housing penalties, and Commission orders against the landlord.

Security Deposit Rules

Iowa Code Ch. 562A.12 limits residential security deposits to two months rent and requires return within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Des Moines follows this state standard.

Key details: Maximum deposit: Two months rent. Refund deadline: 30 days after move-out. Itemized statement: Required for deductions. Statute: Iowa Code 562A.12. Severity: Moderate.

Withholding the deposit beyond thirty days, charging more than two months rent, or making non-itemized deductions can lead to refund of the deposit plus statutory damages and attorney fees.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Des Moines, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Des Moines's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.