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.
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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
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