Iowa Statewide Rule

Iowa Limits Local Rental Registration Authority

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Iowa (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Iowa Code 364.3(5)
Equal-treatment rule: Yes, for mobile homes
Inspection fees: Allowed
Tenant police-call protection: Iowa Code 562A.27B / 364.3(11)
Court oversight: Iowa Supreme Court active

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Iowa Legislature

Summary

Iowa Code 364.3(5) restricts how cities regulate rental manufactured or mobile homes: a city cannot impose registration, licensing, or safety standards on them unless the same requirements apply to other rental housing. Cities may still inspect rentals.

5. A city shall not adopt or enforce any ordinance imposing any registration or licensing system or registration or license fees for or relating to owner-occupied manufactured or mobile homes including the lots, lands, or manufactured home community or mobile home park upon or in which they are located. A city shall not adopt or enforce any ordinance imposing any registration or licensing system, or registration or license fees, or safety or sanitary standards for rental manufactured or mobile homes unless a similar registration or licensing system, or registration or license fees, or safety or sanitary standards are required for other rental properties intended for human habitation. This subsection does not preclude the investigation and abatement of a nuisance or the enforcement of a tiedown system, or the enforcement of any rules of the department of health and human services or local board of health if those rules apply to other rental properties or to owner-occupied housing intended for human habitation.

Source: Iowa LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Iowa Code Section 364.3(5) provides that a city shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance imposing a registration or licensing system, registration or license fees, or safety or sanitary standards for rental manufactured or mobile homes unless the same requirements apply to other rental property intended for human habitation. The provision still permits inspection fees and nuisance abatement. Separately, Iowa Code 364.3(11) bars cities from enforcing ordinances that violate Section 562A.27B, which protects tenants who summon police from eviction or penalties. Iowa courts have invalidated rental ordinances that exceeded these state limits.

Violations & Penalties

Registration ordinances that single out manufactured homes or exceed state law are unenforceable. Affected landlords may seek declaratory or injunctive relief. Cities may still cite legitimate code violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Iowa cities require landlords to register rental properties?

Generally yes, but registration of manufactured or mobile rental homes must be matched by equivalent registration of other rental housing under Iowa Code 364.3(5).

Can a city use crime-free housing ordinances to evict tenants?

Iowa Code 562A.27B and 364.3(11) bar landlords and cities from penalizing or evicting tenants who summon law enforcement or emergency help.

Are inspection fees allowed?

Yes. Iowa Code 364.3(5) still permits cities to charge inspection fees and abate nuisances, separate from the registration limits.

Sources

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