Note on sources and scope: This guide synthesizes only the content provided in your search results. Where city-specific details are incomplete or inconsistent across sources, we note the uncertainty and defer to city resources for confirmation. If no city-specific rule is available, we provide Iowa state-level rules for context.

Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Davenport, IA?

Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Davenport, subject to permits, safety inspections, and ongoing compliance. Under Iowa state law (House File 2641 as described in the provided sources), cities cannot ban short-term rentals outright, though cities can regulate them through licensing, taxation, and building/safety codes. In Davenport, operation requires a city permit and annual license, safety inspections, and compliance with zoning and local ordinances. Sources emphasize that the city has specific permit and fee requirements and monitors compliance through inspections and tax reporting. References: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources].

How to Start a STR Business in Davenport, IA (Step-by-Step)

1. Research local rules and zoning

• Confirm short-term rentals are permitted on your target property’s zoning. Review Davenport’s Property Maintenance Code and local ordinance requirements. Verify maximum occupancy, parking, setbacks, and any proximity restrictions to schools/parks. References: [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources], [City Code Chapter 8.15], [International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 2015].

2. Obtain required permits and licenses

• Apply for a Rental Property License (for short-term rental operation) through the City of Davenport. Processing can take weeks; annual renewal is required. Some sources indicate a $150 annual licensing fee (to confirm with the city). Reference: [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [City of Davenport—Rental Property License], [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources].

3. Complete landlord education and training

• Complete Davenport’s Landlord Education Assistance Program at least once for all rental property owned or managed. Reference: [City of Davenport—Landlord Training Requirements].

4. Safety and building code compliance

• Meet property maintenance and safety standards adopted by the city, including (but not limited to): working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas, fire extinguishers, and egress compliance. Annual inspections verify these requirements. References: [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources], [International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 2015].

5. Register for state and local taxes

• Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue to collect and remit hotel/motel tax (for stays ≤ 90 days) and state sales tax where applicable. Iowa’s state hotel/motel tax is 5% (per sources). Many cities/counties add local lodging taxes; Davenport sources indicate a combined lodging rate near 7%, but local specifics should be confirmed with the city/state. Platforms like Airbnb/VRBO may collect some taxes automatically in certain jurisdictions; you remain responsible for full compliance. References: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [Iowa Department of Revenue], [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources].

6. Insurance coverage

• Obtain short-term rental-specific insurance. Many standard homeowners policies exclude commercial short-term rental activity. Some municipalities (e.g., elsewhere in Iowa) require minimum liability coverage (e.g., $500,000), and Davenport is moving toward more formalized, inspection-driven compliance, which often translates to higher insurance expectations. References: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026].

7. Designate a local contact and operational standards

• Designate a local representative able to respond to issues within two hours if the owner is not local. Establish house rules that align with local noise ordinances (e.g., quiet hours), parking requirements, occupancy limits, and waste management. Reference: [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026].

8. Maintain records and renew annually

• Keep detailed records of guest registrations, inspections, tax filings, complaints/resolution, and maintenance. Plan for annual license renewal and inspections. Reference: [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources], [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Rental Property License (city-issued; annual fee; renewal required)
• Safety inspection certificate (per Property Maintenance Code; annual inspections typical)
• Proof of insurance (property and liability; specific limits to confirm locally)
• Floor plans and maximum occupancy documentation
• Owner and operator identification and contact information
• Local 24/7 contact designation (if owner not local)
• Registration with Iowa Department of Revenue (sales and lodging taxes)
• Tax records and remittance receipts (state and local lodging taxes)
• House rules and guest policies aligning with local ordinances (noise, parking, occupancy)
• Documentation showing compliance with building, fire, and accessibility codes as applicable

References: [City of Davenport—Rental Property License], [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources], [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [IPMC 2015], [Iowa Department of Revenue].

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State (What applies where)

City of Davenport (Scott County)

• Licensing and permits: Rental Property License required for STR operations; permit and annual fee requirements apply. Annual renewal. References: [City of Davenport—Rental Property License], [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026].
• Property standards: City adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (2015); inspections enforce smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, egress, etc. Reference: [City of Davenport—Landlord Resources], [IPMC 2015].
• Zoning and occupancy: Maximum occupancy and parking requirements apply; residential character must be maintained; properties near schools/parks may face additional restrictions during certain hours. Reference: [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026].
• Taxes: Collect and remit hotel/motel tax (for stays ≤ 90 days) and state sales tax where applicable. Sources indicate a combined lodging rate around 7% (state + local), but precise local percentage should be confirmed with city/state. References: [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [Iowa Department of Revenue].
• Noise and nuisance: Align house rules and operations with city noise ordinances and neighborhood standards. Reference: [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026].

County (Scott County)

• County-level rules specific to short-term rentals are not detailed in the provided sources. For county-specific requirements, consult the Scott County government directly.

State of Iowa (state-level baseline)

• Permits and bans: Cities cannot outright prohibit short-term rentals (per House File 2641 described in sources) but may implement general rental permits and health/safety standards. References: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].
• Taxes:
  • State hotel/motel tax: 5% on lodging for 90 days or less. Reference: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].
  • Sales tax: State sales tax applies to many short-term rental transactions; rate varies with local options. Reference: [RedAwning—Iowa STR Laws].
• Safety baseline: State building and safety codes set minimum standards; municipalities often add inspections and local codes. Reference: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].

Important local detail to verify

• Sources conflict on whether Davenport requires a separate “STR permit” vs. applying its general Rental Property License to short-term rentals. Processing times and fees (e.g., $150 annual fee noted by one source) should be confirmed with the city. References: [City of Davenport—Rental Property License], [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].

Taxes at a Glance (Davenport and Iowa)

• State hotel/motel tax: 5% on stays of 90 consecutive days or less. Reference: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].
• Local lodging taxes: Many Iowa communities (including Davenport per sources) add local lodging taxes; sources indicate a combined lodging rate near 7% in Davenport. Confirm the exact local percentage with the City of Davenport or Iowa Department of Revenue. References: [Jaken Finance Group—Davenport STR 2026], [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws].
• Sales tax: State sales tax applies to short-term rentals; rate varies by jurisdiction. Platforms may collect some taxes in certain Iowa cities; operators remain responsible for full compliance. References: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [RedAwning—Iowa STR Laws], [Iowa Department of Revenue].
• Filing: Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue; file monthly or per assigned schedule; maintain detailed records. References: [Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws], [Iowa Department of Revenue].

Contacts: City and State Authorities

City of Davenport (primary local authority)

• City of Davenport – Rental Property Licensing (Development and Neighborhood Services):
  • Online: https://www.davenportiowa.com/services/licenses/rental_property_license
  • Phone: 563-888-2166
  • Email: Not listed on the provided pages; use the city contact forms on the site if needed.
• Landlord Resources Page (includes code references, training, and contact pathways):
  • https://davenportiowa.com/services/rental_property_resources/landlord_resources
• City Code Chapter 8.15 (Property Maintenance Code):
  • https://ecode360.com/35566322
• International Property Maintenance Code (2015):
  • https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2015

State of Iowa (taxation and registration)

• Iowa Department of Revenue – Business Tax Registration and Filing:
  • Website: https://www.iowa.gov/taxes
  • Phone: Not specified on the cited pages; use the department’s website contact portal for current phone numbers.

Links to Source Pages (for verification)

• Jaken Finance Group – Davenport Short-Term Rental Laws 2026: A Complete Guide: https://www.jakenfinancegroup.com/davenport-short-term-rental-laws-2026-a-complete-guide
• Checkmate Rentals – Iowa Short-Term Rental Laws: A Complete Guide for Owners: https://www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/iowa-short-term-rental-laws
• RedAwning – Iowa Short-Term Rental Laws: Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulations: https://www.redawning.com/pm/post/iowa-short-term-rental-laws
• City of Davenport – Landlord Resources (incl. training links, code references): https://davenportiowa.com/services/rental_property_resources/landlord_resources
• City of Davenport – Rental Property License: https://www.davenportiowa.com/services/licenses/rental_property_license
• City of Davenport – Landlord Training Requirements: https://www.davenportiowa.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=6481456&pageId=19533591
• Davenport City Code Chapter 8.15 (Property Maintenance Code): https://ecode360.com/35566322
• International Property Maintenance Code (2015): https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2015
• Iowa Department of Revenue – Tax Information: https://www.iowa.gov/taxes

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

• Davenport allows STRs with a clear licensing and inspection regime. Expect an annual license and compliance with the Property Maintenance Code.
• Taxes are multi-layered: state hotel/motel (5%) plus local lodging taxes; sources suggest ~7% combined in Davenport. Confirm specifics with the city/state.
• Insurance, local contact designation, occupancy/parking limits, and noise management are operational essentials.
• Given inconsistent public details on permit types/fees, verify requirements directly with the City of Davenport licensing office before acquiring or converting a property.