Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Des Moines

Des Moines, IA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required
Before renting any dwelling or rooming unit
Pre-rental inspection
Required before license issues
License length
9 months to 3.5 years
Violation deadline
30 days to correct after notice
Enforcing agency
Neighborhood Inspection Division

Summary

Des Moines requires every rental property owner to hold a rental business license and pass a Neighborhood Inspection Division inspection before renting, with license renewal periods running from nine months to three and a half years based on violation history.

No owner(s) shall rent any dwelling unit or rooming unit unless that owner(s) holds a valid rental business license for such property. ... [T]he administrator or designee shall inspect or cause to be inspected each rental structure, accessory structure(s), and premises located within the city.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under Municipal Code chapter 60, article II, no owner may rent a dwelling or rooming unit without a valid rental business license, and the Neighborhood Inspection Division must inspect the structure before a license issues. License length is set by inspection results: 3.5 years for one- or two-unit properties passing with zero violations, down to nine months for larger buildings with heavy violation counts or a referral to the housing appeals board. Owners who live outside Polk County or a contiguous county must designate a local authorized management agent to receive notices and service of process. Vacant units in multi-unit buildings still require a safety inspection before they can be marked fit for occupancy.

Violations & Fines

Renting without a valid business license, or failing to correct a notice of violation within 30 days, is a municipal infraction under section 1-15 and can lead to license suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every rental property in Des Moines need a license?
Most do. Owner-occupied single-family homes and duplexes where the owner's nuclear family occupies the other unit are exempt; everything else needs a Neighborhood Inspection Division rental business license and a passing inspection before renting.
How long is a Des Moines rental license good for?
Length is based on inspection results: up to 3.5 years for a one- or two-unit property that passes with zero violations, as little as nine months for larger buildings with heavy violation counts or a housing appeals board referral.
What happens if I don't fix a violation in time?
The Neighborhood Inspection Division can suspend or revoke the rental license, and unresolved violations after 30 days can be referred to the city legal department for a municipal infraction.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsTenant Complaint ProcessSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

Compare Des Moines to another location·View the Iowa rental inspections overview

Get notified when Inspection Programs in Des Moines, IA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.