Des Moines, IA Short‑Term Rental (STR) Regulations and Investor Guide

Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Des Moines, IA?

• Explicit answer: Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Des Moines under Iowa law (see House File 2641 below).
• Des Moines operates a permitting and inspection program specifically for STRs and has implemented explicit insurance and maintenance standards that apply to all STR properties.
• State law prohibits outright bans on STRs and restricts cities from imposing certain targeted licensing requirements; however, it allows cities to require general rental property permits, insurance, safety inspections, and basic operational rules.

How to Start an STR Business in Des Moines

1. Validate zoning and use

• Confirm with the City of Des Moines Planning and Urbanism Department that STRs are a permitted use at your address. If not, consider nearby mixed-use or downtown zones where STRs are commonly accepted.

2. Confirm property type and occupancy

• Use the city inspection checklist to determine required safety measures and maximum occupancy. Properties with multiple sleeping rooms should plan for clear emergency egress and signage.

3. Secure insurance first

• Obtain at least $500,000 in liability coverage specifically covering short‑term rental use. Note: Some investor guides reference higher limits (e.g., $1 million) for premium positioning and lender expectations.

4. Apply for the STR permit

• Submit the Short‑Term Rental Permit application with the City of Des Moines. Provide property details, floor plans, proof of ownership, local 24/7 contact, and proof of required insurance. Include a copy of the Property Maintenance Checklist.

5. Pass inspection and maintain compliance

• Schedule and pass the city’s STR inspection. Keep the property in continuous compliance with safety and maintenance standards (e.g., smoke and CO detectors, egress, handrails, weed control, no inoperative vehicles, structural soundness).

6. Register for taxes

• Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 5% state hotel/motel tax on rentals of 90 days or less. Many Iowa localities, including Des Moines, add a local option hotel/motel tax; verify the exact local rate and collection/remittance process.

7. Set up operations and documentation

• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, maintenance, and guest communications; designate a local contact available 24/7; maintain guest logs and records for inspection; ensure platforms reflect occupancy limits and property rules.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short‑Term Rental Permit (City of Des Moines)

  • Application includes owner/operator information, property details, floor plans, and designated local contact.
  • Proof of insurance: minimum $500,000 liability coverage for STR use.
  • Inspection required using the City’s Property Maintenance Inspection Checklist.

• Insurance

  • Minimum $500,000 liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage arising from STR use.
  • Many investors opt for $1 million for enhanced protection and lender requirements.

• Safety and maintenance standards (typical inspection items)

  • Smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas; CO detectors near sleeping areas; functioning fire extinguishers.
  • Safe egress and clearly marked emergency exits; secure handrails and guards.
  • Exterior maintenance: weed control (no growth over 12 inches), fence lines kept tidy, no noxious weeds.
  • Prohibit inoperative or unlicensed vehicles on the property.
  • Keep structures free of rodent harborage; all accessory structures (garages, sheds, fences) must be structurally sound and used only by tenants.

• Taxes and registration

  • Iowa Department of Revenue registration for hotel/motel tax on rentals of 90 days or less (state rate 5%).
  • Local option hotel/motel tax may apply; verify Des Moines’ current rate and remittance process.

• Records

  • Maintain guest logs, incident reports, cleaning and maintenance records, tax filings/receipts, and communications with city inspectors.

Specific Regulations (City, County, and State)

• State of Iowa (House File 2641)

  • Municipalities cannot prohibit STRs outright or require licenses/permits that specifically target STRs.
  • Cities may require general rental property permits, safety inspections, and reasonable operational standards.
  • Iowa’s hotel/motel tax applies to rentals of 90 days or less at 5% statewide.

• Des Moines (City)

  • STR permit and annual inspection are mandatory.
  • Liability insurance minimum: $500,000; recommended $1,000,000 for premium positioning.
  • Property maintenance standards and exterior conditions must be maintained at all times.
  • STRs are subject to hotel/motel tax (state 5%) plus any local option hotel/motel tax; verify the current local rate and remittance method.

• Polk County

  • No county-specific STR ordinance identified; operations are governed by state law and municipal requirements.

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

• City of Des Moines—Neighborhood Inspection Services (STR permits and inspections)

  • Phone: 515-283-4275
  • Website: www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/rental_inspections.php
  • Application portal and checklist: see website (Neighborhood Inspection Services page)

• City of Des Moines—General (main switchboard)

  • Phone: 515-283-4200
  • Website: www.dsm.city/

• City of Des Moines—Community Development (Planning/Zoning)

  • Website: www.dmgov.org/departments/community-development/pages/default.aspx

• City of Des Moines—City Council (for updates to local rules)

  • Website: www.dmgov.org/government/citycouncil/pages/default.aspx

• Iowa Department of Revenue (hotel/motel tax registration and compliance)

  • Phone: 1-800-367-3388 (business registration/assistance)
  • Website: tax.iowa.gov/businesses

Important Notes for STR Investors

• Verification required

  • Local option hotel/motel tax rates in Des Moines change over time; confirm the exact rate and remittance process with the City or the Iowa Department of Revenue.

• Market context

  • Downtown and mixed‑use areas typically offer the most favorable zoning and demand for STRs; residential zones may restrict non‑owner‑occupied STRs or impose additional standards.

• Enforcement

  • Des Moines enforces STR rules through permit inspections, complaint response, and monitoring of hosting platforms. Operating without a permit or failing inspections can result in fines and potential operating bans.

Source Pages (Links)

• City of Des Moines—Neighborhood Inspection Services: STR permit and inspections: www.dsm.city/departments/neighborhood_services/rental_inspections.php
• City of Des Moines—Community Development: www.dmgov.org/departments/community-development/pages/default.aspx
• City of Des Moines—City Council: www.dmgov.org/government/citycouncil/pages/default.aspx
• Iowa Department of Revenue—Business Registration and Taxes: tax.iowa.gov/businesses
• Checkmate Rentals—Iowa STR Laws Overview (state framework, permit mention for Des Moines): www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/iowa-short-term-rental-laws
• Steadily—STR Insurance and Des Moines Highlights (insurance minimums, House File 2641): www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-iowa
• Proper Insurance—Des Moines STR Safety and Maintenance Standards (inspection checklist emphasis): www.proper.insure/regulations/airbnb-laws-iowa/ (see Des Moines section)
• Jaken Finance Group—Des Moines STR Rules 2026 (permit, insurance, taxes, zoning, enforcement): www.jakenfinancegroup.com/des-moines-short-term-rental-laws-2026-a-complete-guide/