Des Moines imposes no maximum number of rental nights per year on permitted short-term rentals. Operators with a valid Ch. 134-2.6.4 permit may book all 365 nights subject to occupancy, parking, and noise rules.
Cities such as Portland and San Francisco cap unhosted STR rentals at 90 to 180 nights annually. Des Moines does not. Under Zoning Ordinance Ch. 134-2.6.4, a permitted short-term rental may operate every night of the calendar year, provided the operator maintains the permit, complies with occupancy and parking standards, and does not generate repeat nuisance violations. Hotel-motel tax (state and local) accrues on every booked night, regardless of count, and remitting that tax through Airbnb, Vrbo, or directly is mandatory.
Operating beyond permit conditions, repeat noise or parking complaints, or failure to remit hotel-motel tax can lead to fines and permit non-renewal.
Des Moines, IA
Short-term rental operators in Des Moines must collect and remit Iowa hotel/motel tax (5%) and local option tax. Permit and application fees apply through th...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires short-term rental operators to obtain a rental certificate and board of adjustment approval before operating. STRs are defined as commerc...
See how Des Moines's night caps rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.