Des Moines requires property owners under Chapter 60 nuisance and Chapter 8 building rules to keep buildings free from rats, roaches, bed bugs, and other vermin, with rental owners responsible for extermination during tenancy under Iowa habitability law.
Under Des Moines Municipal Code property maintenance and nuisance provisions, all owners must maintain buildings free of rodent and insect infestations, eliminate harborage conditions, and seal openings that allow pests to enter. For rental property, Iowa Code Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) requires landlords to keep premises fit and habitable, which courts interpret to include addressing significant pest problems not caused by the tenant. Polk County Public Health partners on rodent and bed bug response, and city Neighborhood Services can issue abatement orders for accumulated trash, overgrown vegetation, or structural defects creating pest harborage.
Refusing to abate infestations, allowing accumulated debris harboring pests, or failing to maintain rental units free of vermin draws abatement orders, citations, and possible tenant rent abatement claims.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines enforces lead-safe practices in pre-1978 housing through Chapter 8 building rules, Chapter 60 nuisance enforcement, and federal EPA RRP rules, wit...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines enforces a Blighted Structure Code under Chapter 60, Article III, authorizing the city to order repair, rehabilitation, or demolition of propertie...
See how Des Moines's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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