Cedar Rapids, IA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum heat
- 68°F
- Warm-weather exception
- 65°F above 30°F avg outdoor
- Not sufficient
- Portable space heaters
- Enforced via
- Housing Code inspections
Summary
Cedar Rapids landlords must supply heat maintaining at least 68°F in every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room of a rental unit, with portable space heaters barred from meeting that duty.
Heat supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms.
Exceptions:
1. When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at its full design capacity. The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in the Cedar Rapids Municipal Code, Chapter 35, Plumbing Code. In areas where the average monthly temperature is above 30°F (-1°C), a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) shall be maintained.
2. In areas where the average monthly temperature is above 30°F (1°C), a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) shall be maintained.
(033-24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).
Full Breakdown
Local amendment § 602.3 obligates any owner or operator who rents dwelling or sleeping units, under an express or implied term to furnish heat, to maintain at least 68°F in every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room: dropping only to 65°F where the average monthly outdoor temperature stays above 30°F and the heating system runs at full capacity. A companion amendment, § 602.2, bars portable unvented space heaters or cooking appliances from being used to satisfy this duty.
Violations & Fines
Failure to supply required heat is a Housing Code violation subject to notice, re-inspection, and citation under § 107.2/107.4, and can jeopardize the property's Certificate of Compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum indoor temperature a Cedar Rapids landlord must provide?
Can a landlord rely on space heaters to meet the heat requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cedar Rapids
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