Rental Property Rules in Ames, IA (2026)
2 verified rental property rules for Ames, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rental Registration
In the City of Ames, Iowa, no owner or operator may rent or offer to rent a dwelling unit for human habitation unless it is registered with the Inspection Division and holds a valid Letter of Compliance, or one is pending inspection approval. Ames Municipal Code Sec. 13.300 requires annual renewal, current owner and operator contact information, and payment of City Council-set fees before any tenant moves in.
Ames Rental Dwelling Registration Requirement
Significant RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 13.300
(1) Registration required. No owner or operator shall rent, or offer for rent, any dwelling unit for use in whole or in part for human habitation, unless: (a) it is registered as a rental dwelling with the Inspection Division, and (b) a valid Letter of Compliance has been issued, or is pending, subject to inspection approval. ... (6) Renewal fees due. Renewal fees shall be due within th...
Repairs & Habitability
Ames Municipal Code Sec. 13.400 sets the City of Ames, Iowa's minimum habitability standard for every registered rental structure: owners must keep structures and exterior property sanitary and safe, and no owner-occupant or landlord may let anyone occupy a dwelling that fails that standard. Occupants share responsibility for the space they control.
Ames Rental Property Maintenance Standard
Some RestrictionsAmes Municipal Code Sec. 13.400
(1) Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the minimum conditions and the responsibilities of persons for maintenance of structures, equipment and exterior property. (2) Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this Code. A person shall not occu...
Looking for Story County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ames city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Story County →