Des Moines requires owners of residential rental property to register and obtain a rental certificate of compliance. Periodic inspections through the rental housing program enforce minimum housing standards under Code Ch. 60.
Through its Neighborhood Services Rental Housing program, Des Moines requires owners of one-, two-, three- and multi-family rental dwellings to register the property with the city, pay a per-unit registration fee, and obtain a Rental Certificate of Compliance after a city inspection. Inspection cycles vary based on property type and prior compliance history. The program is rooted in the Housing Code in Chapter 60 and related sections of Ch. 28 Code Compliance, and is administered separately from any state license. Operating an unregistered or uninspected rental can lead to civil penalties and prohibition on collecting rent.
Renting a unit without a current registration or certificate of compliance is a municipal infraction; ongoing failure can lead to escalating fines and forced vacancy.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines allows ADUs in its neighborhood districts under Municipal Code Chapter 134, with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through De...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Chapter 134 historically required the owner to live in either the main house or the ADU, backed by a recorded affidavit. Since July 1, 2025, Iowa ...
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...
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