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Des Moines, IA Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)

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

Key Facts

Standalone TAHO
No
Retaliation statute
Iowa Code 562A.36
Fair Housing Act
Federal coverage
Forum
DSM CHR + small claims
Severity
Moderate

Summary

Des Moines does not have a standalone tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenant protections come from Iowa Code 562A.36 retaliation rules and federal Fair Housing Act standards prohibiting harassment based on protected class.

562A.36 Retaliatory conduct prohibited. 1. Except as provided in this section, a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent or decreasing services or by bringing or threatening to bring an action for possession after: a. The tenant has complained to a governmental agency charged with responsibility for enforcement of a building or housing code of a violation applicable to the premises materially affecting health and safety; b. The tenant has complained to the landlord of a violation under section 562A.15; or c. The tenant has organized or become a member of a tenants' union or similar organization. 2. If the landlord acts in violation of subsection 1 of this section, the tenant may recover from the landlord the actual damages sustained by the tenant and reasonable attorney fees, and has a defense in action against the landlord for possession.

Source: Iowa Code Section 562A.36View official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike Los Angeles or Seattle, Des Moines has not adopted a dedicated Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance. Tenant protections instead derive from Iowa Code 562A.36, which bars retaliation against tenants who complain to code enforcement, organize tenants, or exercise URLTA rights, and from the federal Fair Housing Act, which forbids harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission accepts complaints involving protected-class harassment. Tenants experiencing intimidation tactics like illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs can also pursue URLTA self-help and damages remedies in small claims court.

Violations & Fines

Retaliatory rent increases, illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, or protected-class harassment can result in URLTA damages, fair-housing penalties, and Commission orders against the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Des Moines tenant anti-harassment law?
No standalone ordinance exists. Tenants rely on Iowa Code 562A retaliation rules, federal Fair Housing harassment standards, and Civil and Human Rights Commission complaint processes.
What if my landlord shuts off utilities to push me out?
Iowa Code 562A bars retaliatory lockouts and willful utility shutoffs. Tenants may sue for actual damages plus statutory damages and reasonable attorney fees.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

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All Des Moines rules

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